Broncos back in training for NRL defence

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Broncos back in training for NRL defence

December 4, 2006 - 6:49PM

Sixty-five days after their grand final victory lap of Telstra Stadium the Brisbane Broncos are back doing training laps in preparation to defend their NRL title in 2007.

And Dean Benton, the man who trimmed them down in 2006 so they'd run out the season stronger, was back at it with some more unorthodox early season training.

Coach Wayne Bennett took a big punt on Benton last year, replacing Kevin Walters, Gary Belcher and Glenn Lazarus with the former Australian Rugby Union performance expert.

Benton immediately introduced radical changes which resulted in several players, including props Shane Webcke, Petero Civoniceva and Corey Parker all shedding unwanted kilograms.

He copped some flak midway through the season but his philosophy paid off with Brisbane dumping its tag of late season chokers to win the grand final.

After conducting weigh-ins and skin fold tests last Friday, the club's players, with the exception of their eight Tri Nations Test stars, fronted up for their first session with Benton at the University of Queensland's St Lucia Campus.

And the task master was impressed by what he saw.

"The players presented in great shape and were very keen to get started," said Benton before kicking off his second pre-season campaign with the club.

"Obviously there's a long road ahead, but if the first session is anything to judge them by, I am looking forward to the next three weeks."

Brisbane's Test players resume training on January 15, having extra time to recover from a draining season which, for some like skipper Darren Lockyer, involved playing 35 games for club, state and country.

The fitness guru was particularly pleased with big forward Dane Carlaw and hooker Michael Ennis, who hopes to reclaim the dummy half role off Shaun Berrigan after his career-best season.

"Dane is a very good athlete and this morning he presented in much better shape than 12 months ago," said Benton.

"As season 2006 progressed, Dane made big gains in many areas, but I know he can improve even further.

"Most importantly, it is obvious now that he wants to see that progress in himself."

Benton said Ennis, who missed all but five matches last season following a knee reconstruction, was the consummate professional in his approach to training.

"He has worked tirelessly on his rehabilitation and is raring to go after missing so much football."

Young prop David Taylor turned up looking a lot lighter while Nick Kenny, another prop option following the retirement of Shane Webcke, has put off back surgery for a disc problem after making good improvement.

© 2006 AAP

Source: www.theage.com.au