Former Broncos conditioning coach hits out at club as fallout from Wayne Bennett saga continues

The fallout from Wayne Bennett’s sacking at the Broncos continues to bubble away, with the club’s former conditioning coach hitting out over his departure from the club.

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The fallout from Wayne Bennett’s sacking at the Broncos continues, with his former conditioner Jeremy Hickmans hitting out over his departure from the club.

Hickmans took to social media on Tuesday to reflect on the toxic in-fighting at Brisbane last year that led to the demise of Bennett and his staffers, including Hickmans and assistant coach Jason Demetriou.

Jeremy Hickmans has hit out at the Broncos for their lack of loyalty.

While Demetriou has followed Bennett to South Sydney, Hickmans remains unemployed. The highly-respected strength and conditioning coach is doing some consultancy work but has yet to secure a full-time position.

Hickmans was punted by the Broncos just months after being handed a new two-year contract and has learnt some harsh lessons from the saga.

“Don’t sign anything on trust and under the promise of loyalty,” Hickmans wrote, before adding, “Get it all in writing.

“Sport is a business; loyalty and team is fine when it suits.

“Sometimes it’s best to move on and keep having fun!”

Matthew Johns is ready for another big year in the NRL.

Matty Johns back and healthy

ANDREW Johns is not the only member of his family to have health issues.

Johns recently sought help after suffering seizures and his brother Matthew pushed himself to breaking point last year with his media work.

Johns has burned the candle at both ends for years juggling Triple M radio commitments with his outstanding work on Fox Sports.

After suffering a bout of pneumonia last year, Johns decided enough was enough.

“I now have so much more time in my day,” Johns said.

“I was pushing myself too hard and eventually it took a toll on my health, but I’m now feeling refreshed and can’t wait for another big season of league.”

Ryan James is mourning the loss of his grandfather.

Titans rally around skipper

THE Titans have rallied around captain Ryan James this week following the death of his grandfather.

James was joined by some of his teammates at the funeral on Tuesday.

He is also battling a knee injury which could rule him out of the Gold Coast’s trial matches.

The Titans skipper is very popular at the Gold Coast club and won himself some more fans recently.

James won the Ken Stephens Medal last year for his excellent work in the community.

The award came with a prize of a cruise which James passed on to two Titans staffers instead of taking up himself.

Marmin Barba has backed his troubled brother Ben.

Little brother backs Barba

BEN Barba’s younger brother has publicly voiced his support for the disgraced Dally M champion, labelling him his “idol”.

Ipswich Jets winger Marmin Barba made a heartfelt post on social media after the Cowboys fullback was sacked following an alleged domestic violence incident.

“Forever be my brother my idol my go to man,” Marmin posted with the hashtags #watajourney and #gotyabacknomatterwat.

Moeaki Fotuaika is “absolutely flying” according to coach Garth Brennan.

SuperCoach tip: Fotuaika is flying

HERE is a tip for all those keen NRL Supercoach players.

Titans coach Garth Brennan has says young forward Moeaki Fotuaika is “absolutely flying” in pre-season training.

Fotuaika, 19, played 16 NRL games last year and proved he is up to first grade standard.

But Brennan reckons he is going to be one of the big improvers this season and is set for more time on the field.

“Moe is absolutely flying,” Brennan said.

“I’m really excited with what he could develop into. Some of the contact he is doing in sessions is scary for a kid his age.

“The boys really respect him and like him.”

Brennan was super impressed with Jai Arrow in last year’s pre-season and he went on to play State of Origin.

Matt Gillett, Brisbane Broncos training, Red Hill. Photographer: Liam Kidston

Broncos burger does some good

SOMETIMES good things can come from eating fast food.

McDonald’s may not be the recommended food of choice for elite athletes but the Broncos Burger devised by the restaurant chain has raised millions of dollars for Ronald McDonald House.

Fifty cents from every Broncos Burger sold goes towards the charity.

Last year, the Broncos Burger helped raise enough money to fund an entire floor of Ronald McDonald House, catering for an estimated 840 families.

“As a Broncos player, we are always out at Ronald McDonald House meeting the families and kids and understanding what they go through,” back-rower Matt Gillett said.

“A lot of the players have families ourselves so it’s very important that we are doing our best in the community.”