Brisbane launch 2019 season as they attempt to break 13-year premiership drought

Broncos chief executive Paul White has declared the club is stronger than ever before as they aim to break a 13-year premiership winning drought this year.

Darius and Kayla Boyd posing at the Broncos 2019 season launch at the Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane 8th of Match 2019. (AAP Image/Josh Woning)

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Broncos chief executive Paul White has declared the club is more united than ever before as they aim to break a 13-year premiership winning drought this year.

The Broncos’ officially kicked off their 2019 season Friday night at the Howard Smith Wharves underneath Brisbane’s Storey Bridge.

White revealed the club had been focusing on the importance of accountability in both his player’s and coaching staff during the preseason as they “build towards something special”.

Speaking at Friday night’s event, White said accountability underpins all elite performers.

“During the pre-season, there has been one key word that has bounced around the Clive Berghofer Centre at Red Hill,” he said.

All of Brisbane’s stars were out. AAP Image/Josh Woning.

“It’s leapt from the wall on which its painted. It’s the word accountable.

“More than ever, we’ve been working on the accountability that touches every part of what we do. Whether you’re the captain of our men’s or women’s team or you’re one of our many staff who are not in the football business, there is an expectation that you’ll be better tomorrow than you are today. You’ll be better because you’re accountable for what you do — accountability underpins all elite performers.”

The club began the preseason under immense scrutiny following the fallout with former coach Wayne Bennett and his move to the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

White and Bennett were also embroiled in the infamous “barbecue-gate” in August last year.

However, the Broncos’ CEO said the club had become stronger over the off season and were focused on winning the competition in the post-Bennett era.

Darius Boyd and his partner Kayla. AAP Image/Josh Woning.

“We’re united,” he said.

“More than ever, it feels like this squad has come together as one for this season. That’s been the feeling over the last few months.

“As we start this fourth decade, we know we’re building something special. That’s not to say that this year is one of those rebuilding years. It’s not. Every year, we want to win the competition. That’s no different this year. Whatever happens in 2019, we have much to look forward to in the coming years with the men and women who wear our jersey.”

White also used his speech last night to pay tribute to Billy J Smith, “an important person in the Broncos’ early history”, who passed away last week.