NRL 2020: Broncos halfbacks speak about pressure of being Brisbane’s No.7

As Storm skipper Cameron Smith reveals he’s not sure Brodie Croft is the right fit for Brisbane, former Broncos halves have revealed how much the spectre of Alf haunts them.

Former Queensland skipper Cameron Smith says he doesn’t know if Brodie Croft is the right fit for the Broncos as Brisbane’s former halfbacks spoke of the pressure of wearing the decorated No.7 jumper.

The guernsey made famous by Allan Langer has become a poisoned chalice with Croft to become Brisbane’s 19th halfback since their last title win in 2006 in the season opener against the Cowboys in Townsville.

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Adding to the pressure, Storm recruit Croft will make his official Brisbane debut with the extra responsibility of the co-captaincy, a situation Broncos coach Anthony Seibold admits is “unusual”.

If anyone can appraise Croft’s playmaking, it is Smith, the most-capped player in NRL history.

Anthony Milford, Alfie Langer and Kodi Nikorima together at Broncos training. Picture: Adam Head

The 411-game legend worked with Croft for the past four seasons at Melbourne and said the Broncos would hope their investment in the 22-year-old paid dividends.

“I don’t know if he is the right fit for the club,” Smith said.

“I am not part of their club or their roster and I don’t know what style of game Anthony Seibold is coaching up there.

“Clearly Seibs thinks he is the right man – he took Brodie off our hands from Melbourne.

“Brodie applies himself to training exceptionally well. If he has some deficiencies, he works on them.

“All he can do is play his best very week and that is the challenge for him. Brisbane have been searching for a halfback for quite some time and they need some stability in that position, so we will have to see how he goes.”

Brodie Croft and Cameron Smith worked closely together at the Storm. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Croft has been impressive in pre-season but the real test begins tonight at the new Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

He will match wits with Cowboys skipper Michael Morgan, and be expected to organise the Broncos, freeing up Anthony Milford to play an instinctive attacking role.

A string of Broncos halfbacks have crashed and burned. Ben Hunt had moments of promise, steering Brisbane to the 2015 grand final, but even he confronted challenging times at the Broncos scrumbase.

“It’s all bloody ‘Alfie’s’ fault,” said Hunt, now at the Dragons.

“Alf was so good the rest of us have paid the price.

“There’s a long history there since Alfie left of the Broncos trying to find the right No.7, jumping around from here to there. The fans seem to want one long term and that’s why there is always going to be a bit of pressure.

Ben Hunt says Alfie Langer’s legacy makes it tough for new Broncos halves. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

“I think Brodie is the type of guy who can handle it. He is level-headed and controls the game well for a young guy. Hopefully for Broncos fans he can take control and that’s what the club needs.”

Former Broncos halfback Kodi Nikorima, who was released to the Warriors midway through last season, believes Croft’s stint at the Storm can help him.

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“It all comes from the club’s history,” he said.

“The Broncos club in general has won a lot of premierships. They always have high expectations. When I was coming through the ranks, there was a lot of high standards. Top four was always a priority when we were playing.

“I think he’ll be all right. He’s come from a system in Melbourne where they also have high expectations.

“If the Broncos start losing, that’s when the media really come out. My advice would be just to win footy games.”