Five things we learned from the Broncos 17-4 win over Parramatta

A NEW backline star throws up a positional dilemma for Wayne Bennett - here’s five things we learned from the Broncos 17-4 win over the Eels.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 03: Jordan Kahu of the Broncos celebrates with his team mates after scoring a try during the round one NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the Brisbane Broncos at Pirtek Stadium on March 3, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

AN unexpected backline dilemma for Wayne Bennett, a strong return from injury and a possible ascension for one of the Broncos most important players.

Brisbane ground out an efficent 17-4 win over Parramatta in the season opener and here’s five things we learned from the first match of the season.

McCullough looks sharp

Andrew McCullough will become the ultimate hooker if he can improve his kicking game. McCullough kicked a cracking 40-20 early in the game and those plays bring a whole new dimension from dummy-half.

Where will Oates go?

Wayne Bennett has a big decision to make on the future of Corey Oates. Does he keep him on the wing or eventually move him into the back row? Oates is a damaging ball-runner and could be lethal closer to the action.

Big Show rolls on

Josh McGuire vindicated Bennett’s decision to start him ahead of veteran Sam Thaiday. McGuire ran for 136m in his first stint, eight months after rupturing his achilles, and looked as strong as ever.

VICTORY: How Brisbane got the job done

TIMELESS: Why Bennett will live forever

Blair leads the way

Broncos prop Adam Blair’s offloading ability brings so much to Brisbane’s attack. Blair isn’t a compulsive offloader but he chooses the perfect times to produce second-phase play while bringing a hard edge to the forward pack.

Englishman returns?

Could Jack Reed be rushed back into the NRL next Friday against the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium? Bennett said Reed was two weeks away from making his return from a shoulder reconstruction but Jordan Kahu’s injury has left them short of options, although Alex Glenn is a handy fill-in.

Originally published as Five things we learned from the Broncos 17-4 win over Parramatta