Life under returning coach Wayne Bennett feels like it did in the Brisbane’s glory days, Justin Hodges says.
Players again have a spring in their step.
The Broncos are considered to be back in the NRL premiership mix.
And, um, Bennett still considers himself a comedian?
“He hasn’t changed much – he still thinks he is funny,” Hodges says.
“But everyone knows what he has done in the game.
“I am just glad he is back and hope that we can go all the way this year.
“The feeling of the old Broncos has come back.”
That vibe was evident as early as September.
Even Bennett cracked a smile at his welcome back media conference as players and staff hung off every word.
He wanted them to reclaim their lost aura.
He wanted them to again become a top-four team.
And he would never again leave the club he had previously steered to six titles in 21 years and 18 consecutive finals series.
Bennett was back. But not everyone was happy.
Disgruntled ex-favourite sons Ben Barba and Josh Hoffman moved on. As did ex-Test prop Ben Hannant.
Off contract backrower Alex Glenn remained but was told he had to earn his next deal.
“It has been intense,” said hooker Andrew McCullough of Bennett’s return.
“Wayne has come in with expectations of certain players and his way of going about things.
“But it has been good, refreshing.
“Everyone has had to come to training each day with a good attitude.”
First order of business for Bennett was bringing an abrupt halt to Hodges and Corey Parker’s one-season gig as co-captains.
Not that Hodges – the favourite to be named sole skipper this season – had any complaints.
“For me his return has been good,” he said.
“I started my career with him and I will probably end it with him.”
Bennett’s return could not have come soon enough.
Under previous coach Anthony Griffin the Broncos made the top-eight three times in four seasons.
But Brisbane have not finished higher than eighth or won a final since club champion Darren Lockyer’s 2011 retirement.
Of course it won’t be just a matter of waving a magic wand for the seven-time premiership winning mentor.
There are problems to solve before their season opener against defending champions South Sydney.
First there’s the fullback role.
At one stage Brisbane had seven No.1s on their books.
Now it is a case of last man standing thanks to departures and star recruit Darius Boyd’s ruptured Achilles tendon that should sideline him for the first few months of 2015.
Jordan Kahu may get first crack but Lachlan Maranta is another option.
Then there’s the forward pack.
Former Kiwi international Glenn is on notice, as is fellow off-contract backrower and ex-captain Sam Thaiday.
Spots will be scarce thanks to Parker, Queensland’s Matt Gillett and young guns Corey Oates and Joe Ofahengaue.
Parker will revert to the second row after prop stocks were bolstered by Kiwi international Adam Blair and fellow new recruits Mitch Garbett and James Gavet.
Bennett must also nurture quietly-spoken recruit Anthony Milford who must deal with the glaring spotlight at five-eighth.
Much is expected of the ex-Canberra fullback, who will be paired with 2014 revelation Ben Hunt in the halves.
Has Bennett’s Midas touch lost its lustre?
Or – like Hodges says – is it back to Brisbane’s glory days?
BRISBANE BRONCOS
Premierships: 6 – 1992, 1993, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2006
Finishes over the past three seasons: 2014 – 8th, 2013 – 12th, 2012 – 8th
Coach: Wayne Bennett
Captain: TBA
Gains: Anthony Milford (Raiders), Mitch Garbutt (Storm), Adam Blair (Tigers), Greg Eden (Hull KR), Travis Waddell (Knights), Darius Boyd (Knights), James Gavet (Wests Tigers).
Losses: Josh Hoffman (Titans), Jake Granville (Cowboys), Ben Hannant (Cowboys), Jharal Yow Yeh (retired), Martin Kennedy (Roosters), David Hala (Titans), Ben Barba (Sharks)
Strength: Depth in the forwards is so good that even ex-captain Sam Thaiday may battle to find a backrow start. New Zealand hardman Adam Blair adds plenty of starch up front while ex-West Tigers enforcer James Gavet looks set to impress.
Weakness: Fullback. Darius Boyd’s ruptured Achilles tendon leaves Jordan Kahu with big shoes to fill until Boyd’s return months into the season.
Money Man: Anthony Milford. Everyone wanted excitement machine Milford. But much depends on how coach Wayne Bennett nurtures the ex-Raiders fullback in his new role at pivot.
One to watch: Ben Hunt. A revelation in 2015 after finally being given first crack at halfback. The plucky No.7 combines with quietly-spoken Milford in the halves.
Best team: Darius Boyd, Daniel Vidot, Dale Copley, Justin Hodges, Lachlan Maranta, Anthony Milford, Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Adam Blair, Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Alex Glenn, James Gavet, Corey Oates, Joe Ofahengaue.
Predicted finish: 5th
Betting: $11
