Bennett's coaching reign at Red Hill and an impromptu barbecue have dominated the build-up Thursday night's Suncorp Stadium clash, where a loss could see the Broncos booted from the NRL top eight.

On Wednesday Bennett categorically denied having any contact with rival clubs about a potential move, and that he and Broncos chief executive Paul White had maintained a solid working relationship amid the constant drama.

While disappointed the sideshow has become the main event, Bennett says the speculation is "water off a duck's back" to him and that his eighth-placed side's current predicament is his only real concern.

"It's just a challenge because of the quality of the team we're playing," he said.

"The boys are in great spirits, no-one's talked about the barbecue ... it's just crucial we play well, first and foremost."

Brisbane had been eyeing a top four finish, but back-to-back losses to the lowly Bulldogs and North Queensland mean they are a genuine chance of missing the finals for just the third time in 27 years.

The Broncos are just one win clear of ninth-placed Wests Tigers with three rounds to play.

The Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters - the NRL's current top two - await in the next fortnight with a Manly clash in the final round shaping as a potential all-or-nothing regular season finale.

Bennett has recalled outside back Jordan Kahu after a week in reserve grade, while the Rabbitohs will be without captain Greg Inglis (thumb) and fullback Alex Johnston (hamstring).

Adding further intrigue to the battle are reports linking current Rabbitohs coach Anthony Seibold to the Brisbane job.

Seibold insists rumours of a move north are off the mark and alo preferred to focus on the task at hand.

"If you look at their trends and form this year they perform particularly well against top-eight teams," he said.

"Any time things are a challenge for the Broncos they respond really well.

"The thing for us is if we play our best footy can they handle us?"

STATS THAT MATTER

- The Rabbitohs are currently on a six-match losing streak against Brisbane, their last win was in the opening round of the 2015 season.

- South Sydney is making the most metres in the competition (1451 per game) while Brisbane is conceding the third most metres (1408).

- Brisbane are conceding the fewest errors (9.4 per game) in the NRL but are being tackled the fewest times inside the opposition's 20 metre zone (24.5 per game).

Australian Associated Press