With the injury to Justin Hodges and the loss of star Full Back Karmichael Hunt, Brisbane Broncos coach Ivan Henjak will have plenty of opportunity to prove he is deserving of the contract upgrade that was signed, sealed and delivered to the board last week. He's had plenty of time to ponder Hunt's replacement, but when Hodges fell victim to an unseen pot hole in the University of Queensland's otherwise immaculate oval, another back line shuffle was forced. Hodges was seen as a handy replacement for Special K after his thrilling displays towards the back end of the 2006 season. Displays which forced Hunt onto the Wing for a time. He is a line break specialist and has the ball skills to fill the role Hunt played so well for the last five seasons. That scenario is out the window now with Hodges unlikely to return until around origin time. Bad luck for some however, is often good luck for others with Denan Kemp, Steve Michaels, Josh Hoffman, Dale Copely and Alex Glenn set to fight it out for the vacant back line spots.
Losing Hodges is undoubtedly a heavy blow for the Brisbane side to take, but they have an Origin quality (when he's at his best) Centre in Steve Michaels, and young tyro Alex Glenn proved to be a defensive powerhouse during his time filling in for Hodges last season, with decent hands and speed to boot. I believe the Full Back position will prove far more crucial than right Centre. This decision will likely make or break the six-time premiers' season.
Of the contenders, Denan Kemp has the most first grade appearances as well as a proven (and sometimes freakish) ability to cross the magic white line. Kemp is returning from an unhappy season with the Warriors during which time he played more minutes for the Auckland Vulcans than the top grade side. He has the skills but his relatively slight stature may prove a hindrance in his quest to fill Hunt's designer boots behind the defensive line. There can be no doubting his talent however, and it will be a long time before his four-try effort in the Broncos' last second victory over the Parramatta Eels in season '08 is forgotten. Josh Hoffman made a couple of first grade appearances last season and acquitted himself well. Unfortunately, he lacks the ball skills to provide a link between Lockyer and the outside backs as Hunt did so well, and the Broncos' set plays rely heavily on a third play-maker to provide the final pass or kick to finish them off. He is the best traditional style Full Back on the Broncos roster. Dale Copely is somewhat of an unknown entity at this stage having only played twice for the top grade side, both on the wing. He looks a likely lad, though. Very much in the Michael De Vere mould of player.
Brisbane's need for a ball playing Full Back cannot be overstated. It is a very difficult role to play and many of the best custodians in the game look uncomfortable doing it. How often have we seen current Australian Full Back and one time Golden Boot player of the year Billy Slater send the ball sailing over the sideline in a frustrated attempt at a simple cutout pass? It took Hunt the best part of five years to learn the art of the try assist. The Broncos cannot afford to start from scratch again.
For the first time in a long time the Broncos have stability in the halves and that will serve them well but no matter who Mr Henjak chooses to fill K's role, with so much experience and talent having left the club over the last five years, this young squad will have to show incredible courage and defensive fortitude if my fellow Broncos fans and I are to enjoy a 19th straight finals campaign in 2010. Do they have enough heart?
