A win for the Dolphins in the "Battle of Brisbane" on Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium will secure their 13th win of the season and a maiden finals berth.
It will also consign the Broncos to second last and on track to be the worst performed defending premiers since Western Suburbs in 1953, who claimed the wooden spoon.
Dolphins players Herbie Farnworth, Selwyn Cobbo, Frank Molo, Thomas Flegler, Jamayne Isaako and Kodi Nikorima all played NRL for the Broncos while Max Plath was in the Broncos system before signing with the Redcliffe-based club.
"I think it makes sense we have some ex-Broncos, being in Brisbane," Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said.
"They are always producing really talented players and that means players fall out. It puts a layer of importance on it for those (seven) guys because everyone wants to perform against their old club.
"Our actions will show that tomorrow night."
Last year an injury-hit Dolphins led the Broncos 28-14 in the 53rd minute in round 24 but let the advantage slip. On the live NRL ladder at the time, the Broncos were ninth and in danger of missing the finals. Reece Walsh landed a wobbly 40/20 and the Broncos fought back to win 38-28.
They kicked on to win the premiership while the Dolphins faded to miss the finals by two competition points.
The Dolphins have only won once in seven attempts against the Broncos, a record they must rectify.
"It is something we want to improve and we have got this game to try and do that, but we have got plenty coming as well," Woolf said.
"Every time we play them it is different. They didn't have Payne Haas last time we played them (in round four) and obviously we have some players back in.
"Both teams are going to be up for this. Both teams want to win it. Both teams have pride on the line. They will certainly be at their best."
The Broncos can't play finals but the Dolphins, in fifth, are still a chance of making the top four.
"Everyone knows where we sit and what we are aiming for," Woolf said.
"We have got to look past one game as well. There are five left and we need to put ourselves in the best position we can at the end of the year. Performance-wise we can't look past this game."
The Dolphins received a visit during captain's run on Friday by Australian undefeated heavyweight boxer Teremoana Teremoana to give them extra encouragement to land a knockout blow on the battling Broncos.
"He's a friend of the club and it is great having him out here," Woolf said.
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