BLAIR RISES WITH BRONCOS
ADAM Blair says there is one major difference between the Broncos and his old club Wests Tigers – the level of professionalism.
Blair was a last- minute addition to Brisbane this year after leaving Wests Tigers on just three days’ notice.
He was bemused at the time and reticent to break a contract, but the versatile forward has become a valued member of the table- topping Broncos, who tackle the Tigers on Sunday at Suncorp Stadium.
It will be the first time Blair faces his old club, who are struggling on and off field.
The Tigers’ coaching staff have changed dramatically since last year but their poor form has continued this season.
Blair said there was a noticeable difference in training intensity from the Tigers to the Broncos.
“We are all on the same page at training and everyone wants to be there,” Blair said.
“We are all excited and want to be there ( at training), and that’s the biggest change I noticed.
“I think there’s a professionalism that this club has, the brand speaks for itself.
“It helps when you are winning, though.
“I will stay away from the banter this week. This is an important game for both teams.
“They are not going as well as they want to be.
“They need to put some good performances in at the back end of the year, and we need to keep our momentum.”
The Broncos are sailing towards their most successful regular season in club history and have even taken over a CityCat, with a maroon and gold Broncos vessel unveiled by Mayor Graham Quirk yesterday.
The last Queensland team to adorn a CityCat was the Firebirds, who went on to win a premiership just weeks later.
Blair scored his first try of the season in Brisbane’s win over Canterbury.
He has improved tremendously since he was given a clip behind the ears from Broncos coaching staff for making just one run in their win over Cronulla in March.
He made 17 runs and 140m against the Bulldogs.
“Every day you have to look in the mirror and ask ‘ How much do I want it?’,” he said.
“I know what I can do and since that day I haven’t looked back and I am enjoying myself a lot more.”