This time, it will be personal for the Brisbane Broncos’ NRLW team.

Skipper Ali Brigginshaw has not minced words ahead of their title defence, admitting the six Broncos who defected to St George Illawarra can expect a love tap in Sunday’s season opener at Bankwest Stadium.

Considered the NRLW’s answer to Cameron Smith, Brittany Breayley was the key to Brisbane’s stunning 2018 NRLW success, helping the outfit go through the inaugural season undefeated before thrashing Sydney Roosters 34-12 in the grand final.

However, in what was seen as a dramatic power shift in the fledgling women’s game, the 2018 Dally M Medallist joined five Broncos and linked with the Dragons for the 2019 season.

While Broncos officials have tiptoed around their defection in the off-season, Brigginshaw made it clear on Friday that their departure was not cool.

“I think it is personal,” she said of their season opener.

“I think there will be a love tap there (when tackling former ex-Broncos players).

“You will be out to get your old teammates but there will be nothing dirty.

“But we are definitely not taking it easy on them just because they were teammates.”

Brigginshaw claimed Brisbane did not have a target on their backs ahead of the NRLW season opener despite their stellar success.

The Broncos playmaker hinted that there was more heat on Sydney Roosters to perform after being 2018 title favourites and being thrashed by Brisbane in the season decider.

“Last year they talked every team up but us,” Brigginshaw said.

“That took the pressure off us and we know what worked last year, we showed how dominant we were so I think it just depends on who pulls it together in their 60 minute games this year.”

The opening 2019 NRLW round is completed by the Roosters taking on the Warriors on Melbourne on Saturday.