Coach Wayne Bennett has backed Matt Gillett to overcome a neck injury before putting the heat on his side to relieve pressure on his maligned halves ahead of Friday night’s NRL blockbuster against North Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.
Gillett (neck) underwent a fitness test on Thursday but is expected to chime into a Broncos pack that needs all the help it can get after being overpowered in their first round 34-12 loss to St George Illawarra
Five-eighth Anthony Milford and halfback Kodi Nikorima were hammered in the media for their lack of impact against the Dragons.
But Bennett believed they were not done any favours last week.
“I have coached a few games so I kind of know how it works,” Bennett said.
“You can’t drop eight balls then give away eight penalties virtually on top of that and think your halves are going to play well, it is never going to happen.”
Asked if he needed either Nikorima or Milford to take ownership of the team, Bennett said: “I just want them to play good football, that is the first priority.
“After that we will work the rest of it out. I just need them out there playing well.”
Bennett appeared animated at training on Monday and unloaded on his halves with some rare expletives for their lack of intensity in front of TV cameras.
Media were moved further down the training paddock out of ear shot on Thursday as a result.
However, Bennett did not believe he had been more emotional than his usual dead-panned self this week.
“Did I have strong words with them? Well, maybe they haven’t been roused on for a while,” Bennett said.
Veteran back-rower Sam Thaiday moves to the bench for the suspended Jaydn Su’A after Bennett admitted it was a mistake picking him at hooker against the Dragons.
“He had a tough assignment last week. I made a mistake putting him in hooker,” he said.
“But he has been great in the pre-season and there is no reason to suggest Sam still doesn’t have something to offer.”
Bennett believed the derby may be just what the Broncos needed to rediscover their spark this year.
“There is a great rivalry between the two clubs,” he said.
“Both teams bring the best out of each other.”
Brisbane captain Darius Boyd (hamstring) has been cleared for the clash after the fullback was restricted to light duties during the week.