Gillett on target to return for Broncos

A LOT has happened at NRL club Brisbane while Matt Gillett has been sidelined.

But the Broncos backrower is confident it will be business as usual with Wayne Bennett still at the helm when he makes his long-awaited 2019 comeback from injury.

Out of action since April, the Test second-rower took a step towards an NRL round one return from a neck fracture and shoulder reconstruction when he began pre-season training this week.

The Queensland forward’s frustrating stint on the injury list coincided with one of the Broncos’ most tumultuous chapters.

Bennett had a very public falling out with the Broncos board as they butted heads over his future before he signed with South Sydney from 2020.

Rabbitohs mentor Anthony Seibold agreed to move to Brisbane the same year, prompting speculation a switch could be brought forward to next season if all parties agreed.

While Bennett is currently away for England’s Test series with New Zealand, Gillett expected the 68-year-old to return for his 26th and final season as Broncos coach in 2019.

“Wayne has reassured us he will be here next year. But it is important as a playing group that we stay tight no matter who is coaching at the top,” Gillett said.

“It will be sad to see Wayne go. He has made the club what it is today.

“But this stuff happens a lot in the footy world. We have to get on with life.”