NRL 2015: Broncos coach Wayne Bennett nominates Tiger Martin Tapau as threat

SHREWD Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has nominated Kiwi back-rower Martin Tapau as the Wests Tigers major threat at Suncorp Stadium today.

Tigers Martin Taupau fends off South Sydney's Alex Johnston to score a try during the Wests Tigers v South Sydney rugby league game at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. Pic Brett Costello

SHREWD Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has nominated Kiwi back-rower Martin Tapau as the Wests Tigers major threat as Brisbane prepare for a rare Sunday afternoon NRL game at Suncorp Stadium today.

Bennett has warned his team against taking the battling Tigers for granted in a match most people have put down as a sure two points for Brisbane.

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Tigers Martin Taupau fends off South Sydney's Alex Johnston to score a try. Picture: Brett Costello

“These games are always harder to play because you know they can hurt you and you can get beaten by them,” Bennett said.

“You never know what the Tigers can throw at you. It’s always a big challenge.”

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The Tigers have won only one out of their past eight matches while the Broncos got through the State of Origin period in perfect shape and sitting on top of the NRL ladder.

Still, Bennett sees threats.

“They’ve been a bit mixed obviously and had a couple of good wins when they have won them so we’ve just got to be on our game,” he said.

Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett at Red Hill. Picture: Tara Croser

“They’ve got a couple of players who are exciting and a couple of forwards who are really good.”

Taupau has provided most of the highlights for Tigers fans this season.

The 25-year-old Kiwi has played every match this season and averages 115 metres, 29 tackles and four tackle busts.

Stopping the 190cm, 112kg wrecking ball is simple according to Bennett.

“Tackling him is plan number one,” he said.

“He’s a wonderful player to watch and I enjoy watching him play. He’s great and excites people.

“The Tigers are an exciting team – they do some wonderful things with the ball.”

Bennett said the daylight conditions would be conducive to open football and he hoped both side played “good”.

Suncorp Stadium has already hosted the Liverpool-Brisbane Roar soccer friendly and the Wallabies-Springboks rugby union Test this weekend and staff have worked through the night preparing for the NRL fixture.

Originally published as NRL 2015: Broncos coach Wayne Bennett nominates Tiger Martin Tapau as threat