Adding to the irony, that round four victory came with current Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett at the helm of a Dragons side featuring current Dragons assistant coaches Dean Young and Ben Hornby.

That win was one of just three Dragons victories in their past 16 outings against the Broncos with the other two coming in Wollongong [in 2010] and at Kogarah [2015]. It’s not pleasant reading for Dragons fans but coach Paul McGregor was unfazed when reminded of the recent history.

“We didn’t have this side in ‘09,” McGregor said.

“We understand the challenge that’s in front of us but it’s a different group every year and a different challenge each time so [the record] doesn’t concern me too much.”