Brisbane forward Ben Hannant says nothing will change in how the Broncos prepare for Friday’s clash with Manly regardless of the NRL pacesetters’ off-field woes.
The Sea Eagles sit four points clear on the ladder despite reports several of their stars want out of the club.
Anthony Watmough, Brett Stewart and Steve Matai all reportedly wanted to quit Brookvale during the season, while Glenn Stewart is heading to South Sydney next year.
Despite those concerns, last weekend’s impressive win in Auckland over the Warriors has Manly top of the tree as Brisbane prepare to take them on this Friday.
Hannant said there’s no way the Broncos will think they’re taking on an opponent that is anything less than fully focused.
“They’re professional athletes,” Hannant said.
“No matter what’s going on around you, you go out there and give your best.
“That’s the reason why they’re playing first grade footy and all of us as first grade football players know that we’ve got a job to do.
“We’re not expecting anything but their absolute best on Friday night.”
Hannant has himself had to deal with plenty of distractions away from the football field during a turbulent 2014.
The ex-Queensland prop was dropped by coach Anthony Griffin in May and, with his contract expiring at season’s end, it looked like his time at Red Hill was coming to an end.
Since then the 29-year-old has forced his way back into the Broncos’ line-up and the club’s decision to replace Griffin with Wayne Bennett at season’s end has reportedly opened the door to a new deal.
While Bennett is believed to be keen to retain Hannant, the man himself says nothing has been put to him yet.
“I’ve said all along that I love this club and I want to be here,” he said.
“My focus doesn’t change. It’s about playing good footy and the rest takes care of itself. I know everybody says that but my family life is good at home, my wife and kids are happy, I’m happy, it’s just a matter of playing good footy and what will be, will be.
“As long as I keep doing what I can week-in, week-out that gives me the best opportunity to secure a deal to stay.”
