Matt Gillett retirement opens door for Broncos leaders to step up
After a season in which a crucial lack of experience was often ruthlessly exposed, Brisbane coach says the Broncos have the leaders to take over from retiring Matt Gillett.
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Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold insists the club can fill the leadership void left by Matt Gillett’s retirement as questions remain over who will be captain next season.
Gillett finished his career with 200 NRL games for the Broncos, 20 Origins for Queensland and 12 Tests.
It was a stellar record which had many expecting him to be Brisbane’s next captain.
However, his experience will now be sorely missed at Red Hill heading into the 2020 season, with the captaincy reins now likely to stay with Darius Boyd or fall to Alex Glenn.
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Current captain Boyd continues to have the support from many at the club to remain in the role despite speculation he could lose it after a poor 2019 season.
The club is understood to be concerned about Boyd’s playing future and are on the hunt for a more consistent leader.
Glenn (259 NRL games, 13 Tests) shapes as the most risk averse option after this week agreeing to sign a two-year extension at the club.
Front rower Matt Lodge has also been touted as a possible captain, however his past indiscretions may deter club hierarchy.
Despite the limited number of experienced players left at Red Hill, Gillett was confident they would find the right leader for next season.
“We’ve got plenty of older fellas still at the club, doing a great job,” Gillett said.
“We’ve got younger fellas coming through that have shown leadership (skills) in the early stages of their career.
“Leadership isn’t going to be an issue. There’s plenty of people to take the role.”
Seibold said the loss of Gillett meant the younger leaders in the team should to “step up”.
“It’s a challenge to replace Gillo – just the person he is, and a leader of the club,” Seibold said.
“He’s been here for a long period of time. You don’t just replace those guys overnight.
“It allows an opportunity for some of our younger guys to progress and allow some of our emerging leaders to step up as well.”
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Speculation about the Broncos captaincy came to a head in the aftermath of the 58-nil season-ending finals flogging by Parramatta in September when Boyd was roundly criticised.
Club legend and Broncos board member Darren Lockyer said the role was up for grabs.
“At the end of last year, the way the season finished, there was a lot of discussion around players’ positions in the team and the captaincy,” Lockyer said.
“Everyone’s just taken a deep breath and got through the off season. It’s up to the players to prove who is most worthy.”
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