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Joe Ofahengaue says Brisbane are looking for some payback against South Sydney after receiving a round-eight NRL thrashing from the Rabbitohs.

Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold says Friday night's NRL clash with former club South Sydney won't be personal.

But it certainly didn't sound that way when Broncos powerhouse Joe Ofahengaue claimed the top-eight hopefuls were out for payback at Suncorp Stadium.

Ofahengaue admitted Brisbane were still smarting from their round eight 38-6 thrashing by Wayne Bennett's Rabbitohs and wanted revenge in a match they must win to stay in the finals hunt.

"It is payback for us. They kind of dusted us up down there," he said.

"And we know Wayne (Bennett) is going to pump up their tyres throughout the whole week to try and do a job on us at home.

"We have to turn up for our fans and our season."

Even traditionally tight-lipped Brisbane fullback Anthony Milford revealed the loss to the Rabbitohs still ate away at them.

"It's in the memory and in the context of our season we need all the wins that we can get," he said.

It seemed the only one who wasn't biting ahead of the grudge match with Bennett was Seibold.

But he appeared to lob the first grenade this week, claiming the Rabbitohs' attack had not changed since he held the reins last year before a messy swap with Bennett.

After his comment earned the ire of Rabbitohs players this week, Seibold has since tried to cut a more reserved figure by downplaying his rivalry with Bennett.

"No, it's not personal. All that stuff is gone. This is a game that is very important to us as it is important to them," he told Nine Network.

Apart from the Seibold-Bennett main event, there will also be a major subplot on Friday night.

The clash marks the first time ex-Bronco flyer James Roberts will line up against his old side since being cut loose by Seibold.

Again, Seibold wouldn't poke the bear when asked about the former NSW centre's departure.

"When you have 36 players, there are a number of different personalities - I don't feel like a failure for Jimmy not fitting into our program," he said.

Ofahengaue though admitted Roberts was in their sights.

"Jimmy is lightning (fast). We have to keep filling the space through the middle - I think that is where he is going to come," he said.

No matter what Seibold says, both the Brisbane coach and Bennett will no doubt savour a round 23 victory.

The Rabbitohs are desperate after falling out of the top four for the first time this year following a shock 14-6 last round defeat against Canterbury - their third straight loss.

And the seventh-placed Broncos want to stay on track for a finals finish after suffering just one loss in their last seven rounds.

The hosts will have to do without enforcer Tevita Pangai (five weeks) and halfback Jake Turpin (two games) after both were suspended.

But Ofahengaue believed the return of Matt Gillett (back) and Alex Glenn (knee) this week would boost their quest for revenge against South Sydney.