Broncs back Seibs to take them deep

BRONCOS stars say they have emphatically moved on from Wayne Bennett, hailing the “new era” of accountability under Anthony Seibold they believe will break the longest title drought in Brisbane’s history.

In a spicy prelude to Friday night’s grudge match at Suncorp Stadium, leading Broncos players have closed the door on the Bennett legacy, backing Seibold’s methods to deliver the club’s first premiership since 2006. Bennett returns to face Brisbane this week for the first time since his Broncos sacking eight months ago, in charge of a Souths side on the ropes after their shock loss to Canterbury last Saturday night.

Bennett’s axing last December was expected to trigger a player exodus, with his most dedicated disciples, such as Matt Lodge, Tevita Pangai Jr and Payne Haas, tipped to follow the super coach to Redfern.

Instead, all three have stayed loyal.

“It’s a new era ... and Wayne is not leading it,” Lodge said.

Front-row sensation Haas added: “Seibs has brought accountability. He is straight down the middle. You have to do your job and if you don’t do your job, he holds you accountable.”

Broncos skipper Darius Boyd believes Seibold is the right coach to mentor Brisbane’s next wave of stars, headlined by Haas, Pangai Jr, Lodge, David Fifita and Kotoni Staggs.

“Seibs is great for the young guys,” Boyd said.

“Seibs is great at doing little things with them and you can really see we’re starting to put some things into place which is working well for us.”