A week after being considered a Broncos exile, Ben Hannant is suddenly a role model.

In a bizarre twist, Brisbane’s prized recruit Martin Kennedy has been asked to find form by following the example of Hannant who may yet leave mid-year after being on the Broncos outer.

Ex-Sydney Roosters forward Kennedy has been banished to the second-tier Queensland Cup after Broncos coach Anthony Griffin finally lost his patience.

Not even the unavailability of ex-Test forward Sam Thaiday (calf) could prompt Griffin to find a spot for Kennedy on the Brisbane bench for Friday night’s clash with the Gold Coast.

But the path back to the NRL is clear – Kennedy must follow in the footsteps of Hannant, who could be bound for Newcastle in 2014 despite earning a recall this week.

Hannant appeared on the nose at Brisbane after he was sensationally dropped last round despite being the Broncos’ form prop on paper.

It sparked speculation that the off contract forward – a Test player just two years ago – would not see out the season at Brisbane.

Griffin insisted the axing was form-based but a report emerged that club management was unhappy after being given the impression Hannant tried to persuade a young Broncos player to demand more money.

However, a barnstorming performance for Queensland Cup side Ipswich last weekend forced Griffin to reinstate Hannant.

But Hannant’s agent will reportedly still continue negotiations with the Knights this week, with the prop a chance of arriving in Newcastle before the June 30 transfer deadline.

In the meantime, Griffin was happy to sing Hannant’s praises.

“It was a quality performance,” he said of Hannant’s Ipswich stint.

“It is what you want to see from someone going back to Queensland Cup.

“It’s a credit to him. It’s why he is straight back in.”

Asked what Kennedy had to do to earn a recall, Griffin said: “Do exactly the same (as Hannant).

“I spoke to Marty where he needs to improve. Clearly he is not in the best form he can be in.

“He understands that. He needs to go back and find form.”

Kennedy has averaged just over 67m a game this year, making him Brisbane’s least efficient forward.

He was hooked after managing just 34m from three runs in 19 minutes last round.