Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds is determined the embarrassment of the side's most recent display against St George Illawarra won't be repeated on Saturday night.
The undefeated teams clash in an NRL round-three blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium one day after the Broncos celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the 1993 premiership win over the Dragons.
The 1998 inaugural NRL title won by the Broncos over Canterbury will also be celebrated at a lunch on the same day.
Last year the Broncos had it all to play for in the final-round clash with the Dragons but lost 22-12.
Dragons winger Mathew Feagai beat nine Broncos with ease to score a late try to knock them out of finals contention.
That try was a reflection of how Brisbane's defence fell apart in the latter stages of 2022, where they conceded 211 points in their final six games.
This season's wins over Penrith and North Queensland have been based on a new steely defensive resolve, but Reynolds said the pain of last year's loss to St George Illawarra still lingered.
"It was embarrassing. There is no other way to put it," Reynolds said of last year's final-round display against the Dragons.
"When our season was on the line we performed like that and it wasn't too good. We used a bit of that hurt throughout the pre-season to remind us how tough a competition it is.
"There are no easy games and we've got to make sure we turn up this weekend ready to play otherwise we will face the same result.
"As a whole team we have shifted our focus to the defensive side of things. That is one thing that let us down in the back end of last year.
"It was an area we needed to improve on ... and there is evidence the first two rounds we are getting it right, but it is a long season and we need to maintain that."
Reynolds said the feats of the 1993 and 1998 sides were an inspiration to the current group.
"It is a massive milestone for the club obviously," Reynolds said of Friday's celebrations.
"No doubt a couple of the boys will get out there and show our face in support.
"They left a great legacy at this club and gave us all hope that we are hopefully on the same path and can do something special for our own (era).
"It is a good reminder of the good times at this club."
Broncos assistant coach Allan Langer was a major factor in all four of the club's title wins in the 1990s and has been more hands-on this season with his coaching.
"He's been fantastic, Alf," Reynolds said.
"He is a good voice to have around the club. He is an icon of the club...a great. He's got a lot of respect from everyone around the area. When he talks you listen. He has some good things to say."
