Brisbane's improving forwards view Sunday's NRL clash with Manly's benchmark pack on a Brookvale Oval gluepot as a true gauge of their worth.

The Broncos have their trademark confidence back after three straight wins to jump back into the top eight but coach Ivan Henjak knows they face their toughest assignment against the second-placed Sea Eagles.

"It's another real good challenge for us, down at Brooky against a big, physical team so it will give us a good idea where we're at," Henjak said after a sharp final training session at Red Hill.

"We've had three good wins but this is another step up. With the conditions down there it will be a physical forward battle.

"We know we're playing against a lot of representative forwards and a forward pack which has dominated just about every team they have played this year."

Spearheaded by Darren Lockyer and Sam Thaiday, the Broncos have done well to turnaround a poor start to the season with victories against Gold Coast, Melbourne and Cronulla.

But they still remain understrength up front without injured props Nick Kenny and Scott Anderson not due back for at least another week.

Manly's pack boasts current and recent Origin representatives in Anthony Watmough, Matt Ballin, Glenn Stewart, Brent Kite and Josh Perry, plus in-form skipper Jason King.

Brookvale Oval stands as a Broncos graveyard with Brisbane winning just two matches (in 1992 and 2006) from 14 in the club's 23-season history.

Henjak has no concerns about news-making centre Israel Folau being affected by any further AFL-related distractions.

While the Queensland Rugby League have taken a dim view of his AFL defection and won't pick him for Origin, Henjak didn't give a moment's thought to dropping him from the Broncos.

"I wouldn't do that to the rest of the team," he said.

"He's a big part of our team and the rest of the boys would suffer.

"Origin is three games and we've got a whole season to get through and we've been working for a long time to get to the point where we're at and we're not prepared to jeopardise that."

Ironically, the Broncos will be the recipient of one fringe benefit from Folau's four-year, $5.6 million deal with Greater Western Sydney - having him available during the taxing Origin period.

"There's always a positive which comes out of every negative and that's certainly one we've got," Henjak said.

"He's assured us there will be no more AFL on his mind. There will be no more AFL promotions or testing. We get on with the job here."

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