Broncos go hard in preparation for Storm - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Broncos go hard in preparation for Storm

By Wayne Heming 19/07/2011 07:08:24 PM Comments (0)

Brisbane's six State of Origin stars know it's coming but, like NSW found, they're not sure how to stop it.

Brisbane prop Ben Hannant said on Tuesday after a full-blooded training session that stopping Queensland teammate and Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater was among the toughest assignments in the NRL, something few, if any, clubs could manage to do consistently well.

Slater scored the match-winning try in Origin I and grabbed another with his electrifying pace and perception in Origin III two weeks ago as the Maroons wrapped up a record sixth straight series.

While Hannant, Darren Lockyer, Sam Thaiday, Jharal Yow Yeh and Corey Parker were celebrating Slater's genius to exploit the smallest hole in NSW's defence, they'll be dreading the prospect of him turning on them at AAMI Park on Friday night when they renew hostilities with the Storm.

"You know it's coming ... you know he's going to be there," said Hannant.

"The hardest part is when you're out on your feet in the 60th or 70th minute and the mind is shutting off, is to be there on the inside to shut those things down.

"That's (the) mental side of the game when you're tired. That's when their key players really stand up and can hurt you."

Coach Anthony Griffin dragged out the padded battle suits at training on Tuesday morning which were later discarded for a full-blooded contact session which had young prop Dumanis Lui seeking medical attention for sore ribs.

Slater is not the only threat posed by Melbourne with hooker Cameron Smith and halfback Cooper Cronk looming as major threats.

"It's going to be a really big challenge playing against them but we all know there's a job to be done and we all know our roles," said Hannant.

Brisbane's players have been fairly honest with themselves this week, knowing last weekend's 34-10 scoreline against the Titans flattered them.

"We know we were off the pace, especially that first 40 minutes," Hannant said.

"We know if we rock up like we did last week, we're going to get towelled up."

Hannant said Brisbane would have to be prepared to get in the grind with Melbourne.

"They're very aggressive in everything they do, in their attack, their defence, the one per-centers. Everything they do is perfect so we have to make sure we do that and stay with them and take our opportunities when they come along," he said.

Meanwhile, after being sent home on Monday with a batch of antibiotics with 'flu like symptoms, skipper Darren Lockyer trained on Tuesday, dismissing any concerns he could miss Friday night's blockbuster.

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