Bennett: Brisbane the underdogs

The Broncos have been made the favourites, but former Kangaroos boss Bennett is adamant that all the conditions favour the Super League champions, saying: "It’s a tough ask, let’s not kid ourselves.”

If the Broncos win they will become the first Australian side to lift the trophy since Sydney Roosters in 2003, and will be only the third Australian winners since the game became an annual event in 2000.

"We come a long way, conditions are totally different and we haven’t played, other than the game last week [against Celtic Crusaders] which wasn’t a great challenge for us” Bennett continued.

“We just went down there and got the job done. They’ve had two or three games and this is their environment, so it’s not easy to win."

Meanwhile, Saints boss Daniel Anderson commented that the outcome is too close to call, saying: "The Broncos are fresh but they’re probably not match-hardened, whereas we’re match-hardened but we’ve picked up injuries.”

"They’re a very talented team as well as being very athletic and they’ve got the world’s best player. I certainly wouldn’t bet against them retaining their title this year.

"Most of our players recognise it’s an opportunity to measure themselves, an opportunity to play against a different style of player and a different style of team, and it’s one I’m sure they will relish."