AAP
Brisbane Broncos skipper Sam Thaiday says latest recruit Scott Prince is already sending strong signals he can be a key part of 2013 NRL premiership plans.
Thaiday says it's taken the 32-year-old former Gold Coast halfback only a few weeks to have a considerable impact on players.
A surprise two-year signing following his controversial release from the Gold Coast, Prince arrived at Red Hill earlier this month knowing he'd have to earn a place in coach Anthony Griffin's squad next season.
Griffin's decision to sign an organiser of his class and vast NRL experience had the desired affect, with the heat on regular halfback Peter Wallace and youngsters Corey Norman and Ben Hunt, each given a crack at filling Darren Lockyer's No.6 jumper last season.
"It's put pressure on, but it's good pressure," suggested Thaiday, adding the pressure was on for all spots next season with question marks over a number of key positions.
While it is still only early days, Thaiday believes Wallace looks fairly safe at No.7, especially after returning to training in good shape and with a terrific attitude to the challenge he's been set.
"He looks pretty safe in that number seven but it's even encouraged him to train a bit harder and pick up a few more skills," said Thaiday.
"Corey Norman and Benny Hunt who were the blokes fighting for that number six position and hopefully having Prince around makes both of them want it even more."
Thaiday said Prince knew he was arriving with no promises from the coach despite an impressive scrapbook which included a grand final win and appearances for Queensland and Australia.
"Scotty being Scotty he's going to fight and do everything he can to play at the Broncos again.
"Everyone has to want it and he brings a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of professionalism and a lot of skill.
"The skills he is bringing out in our skills session are fantastic for a lot of our younger players and our affiliate players as well."
Prince, the 2005 grand final Churchill Medallist, has played 278 NRL games since making his debut with the Cowboys in 1998. He had a previous stint at Brisbane, from 2001-03, playing 28 games.
He gave an all-in media conference on the first day of pre-season training earlier this month but is now off limits to the media to allow him to focus on his preparations.
Brisbane, meanwhile, declined to comment on media speculation they were chasing North Queensland star Johnathan Thurston and had already held talks with him about joining the club in 2014.
Thurston, off contract at the end of next season, was photographed having talks with senior Canterbury bosses in Sydney last week.
No comments:
Post a Comment