Mental overhaul has outcast Broncos forward Joe Ofahengaue firing ahead of 2017 pre-season

YOUNG Broncos forward Joe Ofahengaue has given himself an off-season mental overhaul following a disappointing rookie year in 2016.

Joe Ofahengaue is ready to regain his spot in the Broncos 17. Picture: Darren England.

YOUNG Broncos forward Joe Ofahengaue has given himself an off-season mental overhaul following a disappointing 2016.

The 21-year-old revealed his focus over the last two months has not been on his physical fitness but his mental wellbeing, as some of Brisbane’s second-tier and reserve grade players returned to training.

Leading the way through a 1.5km time trial, it was clear he was ready for pre-season to begin.

Ofahengaue was dropped from his regular position within Brisbanes’s 17 after Round 13 of the 2016 season.

At the time he felt he had let down his teammates and lost their trust.

But now he admits a mental overhaul has helped him see he needs to not take things for granted without being so tough on himself.

Joe Ofahengaue is ready to regain his spot in the Broncos 17. Picture: Darren England.

“Being a rookie, I didn’t really know how cutthroat the NRL was and how you can lose your spot in one week,” he said.

“I let it slip.

“Now I’m trying to humble myself and not be too comfortable with my position.

“I knew my time with the NRL was up (last season) unless someone was injured so I have focused a lot on this coming season already.”

With the retirement of skipper Corey Parker and the departure of Jarrod Wallace to the Titans, there are now two forward spots available within Brisbane’s 17 and Ofahengaue is hungry to win a place.

His determination was evident yesterday as he won the time trial for the forwards, edging out young Norths backrower Matiu Love-Henry, who has picked up a second-tier contract with Brisbane.

Love-Henry was not the only fresh face among the pack, with former Townsville Blackhawks centre Moses Pangai also donning Broncos colours for the first time.

Alongside Ofahengaue, Herman Ese’ese was the only other 2016 first grader to make an appearance.

More players, including new signings Benji Marshall and Tautau Moga, will join pre-season within the next two weeks, with the full squad — excluding Four Nations players — to return by November 21.

Brisbane’s Queensland counterparts will also begin pre-season training soon, with the Titans back on Thursday and the Cowboys returning midway through next week.

Originally published as Mental overhaul has outcast Broncos forward Joe Ofahengaue firing ahead of 2017 pre-season