Gillett switch will plug leaky Brisbane defence: Seibold

Anthony Seibold has plugged a weakness he has long identified in Brisbane's defence as he prepares for an assault from the Roosters on his right edge.

Matt Gillett will start in his preferred right edge back-row position with Brisbane expecting Luke Keary, Boyd Cordner, Latrell Mitchell and Daniel Tupou to be coming for them in that area.

Seibold pinpointed Brisbane’s leaky right side defence as a problem that could be solved in his interview with Brisbane powerbrokers for the head coaching gig.

Due to a shortage of middle forwards in the early rounds - due to the suspensions of Matt Lodge and Payne Haas - he has played Gillett as a middle forward at lock.

That will now change.

"They are really dangerous there. [Cooper] Cronk has been named so I assume Keary will go back to their left edge with Cordner, Latrell and Tupou, so it's a really strong edge," Seibold said.

“We were always going to put Gillo back to the edge at some stage ... if you saw last week, Gillo went back to the right edge in the second half and he is an international back-rower. He did a really good job through the middle of the park when we were under-manned for a few weeks."

Gillett’s switch will likely be permanent and for good reason.

"That's where the majority of Broncos tries were conceded last year," Seibold said.

"I'm not privy on what the systems were last year but the reality is 48% of [opposition] tries came down that right edge last year.

"Stats tell whatever story you want to paint but it stood out that there was a lot of line breaks and tries conceded on that right edge. Our right edge has been strong so far and we are working hard to get better there."

With James Roberts out indefinitely with an Achilles injury, Seibold said he had faith Kotoni Staggs would fill in at right centre with distinction while marking Latrell Mitchell.

"I coach effort areas. Whether you jump on a kick chase or whether you go an escort for your winger, it doesn't take skill, it takes effort and Kotoni is full of effort," Seibold said.

"He has some real ability.

"It will be a huge test for him to mark Latrell no doubt, but he had a week in camp with Latrell [with the Indigenous All Stars] and he knows he is man like he is, and he is comfortable doing his job.

"I have great confidence in him. He has been a real standout during the pre-season so it's time for him to get an opportunity."