Gillett still as sharp as ever in bid for return

BRONCOS Test star Matt Gillett has not given up hope of returning from a broken neck this season.

Gillett yesterday confirmed he had signed a four-year extension to remain at the Broncos until the end of 2022, making him a one-club player in Brisbane.

Gillett’s extension follows the recent re-signings of young forwards David Fifita, Payne Haas and Jaydn Su’A as well as new fullback Jamayne Isaako.

Prop Matt Lodge is close to extending with the club that offered him a lifeline, while coach Wayne Bennett is confident of retaining form forward Tevita Pangai Jr.

It leaves the Broncos brimming with potential given Josh McGuire and Joe Ofahengaue are already on the books, injured off-season recruit Jack Bird is yet to make an impact at the club and utility Kotoni Staggs is impressing, despite being outside the club’s contracted list of 30.

Gillett has not played since April because of a neck injury, with his attempted comeback stalled by a calf injury he sustained this month.

Bennett has doubts that he will return to the top-grade this season, but Gillett remains hopeful he can play some part in Brisbane’s charge to the finals.

“If everything goes well ... I should hopefully get the last two games in,” Gillett said.

“I can’t say 100 per cent I’ll be back this year, it’s all determined on the next scan.”

Gillett, a regular for Queensland and Australia in the back row, said he was delighted to be staying put at Red Hill.

He will be 34 by the time his new contract expires.

“The club’s done a good deed there and looking after me, that’s for sure,” Gillett said.

“Being a one-club player at the Broncos is a very special thing to do and I’m more than happy to be staying here and spending the rest of my career here.”