Brisbane forward Sam Thaiday says he won't change the way he plays after yet another suspension saw the 31-year-old miss the Broncos' 32-16 loss to the Sydney Roosters last week.
Thaiday will return from his one-week suspension in Thursday night's clash with the Dragons, eager to put in a big performance after letting his team down.
Last week's Round 21 clash was possibly the worst game for Thaiday to miss, with Brisbane also without suspended prop Josh McGuire as well as injured quartet Jordan Kahu, Kodi Nikorima, Matt Gillett and Jack Reed.
It meant the Broncos had to field one of their most inexperienced sides in recent history, with a 17 that included 19-year-old Jaydn Su'A, 20-year-olds Joe Ofahengaue and Tevita Pangai Jnr, as well as inexperienced 21-year-olds Herman Ese'ese, Tom Opacic and Jai Arrow.
It's the second time Thaiday has been suspended for a dangerous tackle this year after copping a two-week suspension for his lifting tackle on New South Wales skipper Paul Gallen in Origin II.
Thaiday told NRL.com he felt a little hard done by to be suspended for his hit on Penrith's Bryce Cartwright.
"It's a bit frustrating because I thought it was a good tackle," Thaiday said.
"I understand being suspended for the Paul Gallen incident earlier in the season, but I had a few question marks about being suspended for my tackle against the Panthers.
"In saying that, it wasn't worth fighting it and missing even more football so I just had to cop it on the chin.
"It's a bit hard for me to try and change my tackling technique now. I'm 14 seasons deep into my career and it's hard to teach a new technique at this stage.
"I'll just keep on tackling the way I do and we'll see what happens from there."
Thaiday will be fresh and ready to make an impact when Brisbane travel to WIN Stadium on Thursday night for their clash with St George Illawarra.
The Broncos are quietly confident that they can begin to turn their season around come Thursday after already beating the Dragons 26-0 in Round 6 of this year.
Both St George Illawarra and Brisbane have lost four of their last five matches and will be desperate to return to their winning ways.
Thaiday admitted on Monday he felt guilty for missing three weeks of the season through suspension, with the Broncos veteran eager to make amends for his actions.
"I do feel that I've let the team down. You feel pretty bad watching from the sidelines," he said.
"You want to have your best 17 on the field and hopefully I am a part of that.
"But if I'm suspended or not able to play then I can't be out there in the 17 and that's very disappointing because it makes me feel like I've let the boys down.
"I've got a point to prove this week. Not for myself, but for my teammates.
"I'll have to go out there and make sure that I put in a great effort for them because I've let them down a couple of times this year."
