Out of all the players who left inaugural NRLW champions Brisbane in the off-season, reigning Dally M Medallist Brittany Breayley’s departure no doubt hurt the most.
But new Broncos coach Kelvin Wright is unfazed, backing his undefeated side to extend their stellar run ahead of their upcoming title defence.
Brisbane boast the highest retention rate for the NRLW’s second season, re-signing 12 members of their premiership-winning squad including inspirational skipper Ali Brigginshaw.
However, classy hooker Breayley’s decision to leave with another five Broncos for rivals St George Illawarra appeared to be a NRLW game changer.
Considered the NRLW’s answer to Cameron Smith, Breayley was the key to Brisbane’s stunning undefeated run to the inaugural women’s premiership, culminating in a 34-12 grand-final thrashing of Sydney Roosters.
Yet former Kiwi Ferns international mentor Wright, who takes over the reins from Paul Dyer this year, reckoned the Broncos had ample depth to cover Breayley’s shock exit.
Among them is new signing, 2016 Olympic rugby sevens gold medallist Amy Turner.
“Brittany is a fantastic player but we have got re-signed Bronco Lavinia Gould, Amy Turner who is a more than capable dummy half and some utility players there,” Wright said.
“We are moving forward and really comfortable with the players we have got.”
Wright began pre-season training with the Broncos on Tuesday but won’t have to wait long to run the rule over his new-look squad.
They have organised an August 31 pre-season trial against international outfit PNG Orchids in Port Moresby.
Wright has some big shoes to fill after Dyer opted to take up a long-term role as the Broncos NRL club’s game development manager.
However, he is full of confidence after enlisting Broncos great Corey Parker and former Warriors captain Simon Mannering as his assistants.
“There’s more external pressure than anything. Sure there are 10 new players in the squad but we will set our own goals,” Wright said.
“And if we do those there is no reason why we can’t achieve the same success.”
The second NRLW premiership begins on September 13, coinciding with the NRL finals.