Broncos hire Johns to end drought

BRISBANE have hired one of the code’s most accomplished playmakers to unlock the magic in $1 million man Anthony Milford and help the Broncos break the longest title drought in their history.

News Corp can reveal Brisbane’s key shot-callers have been flying to Sydney for remedial work with former NSW Origin pivot Matt Johns in a bid to strike more consistency in their playmaking spine.

A 197-NRL game veteran who with champion brother Andrew led Newcastle to the 1997 premiership, Johns has become a tactical consultant to NRL stars.

His knowledge has turned young halves into Origin performers and premiership winners, headlined by former Queensland ace Cooper Cronk, Melbourne’s Cameron Munster and Souths’ Adam Reynolds.

Now the Broncos have turned to Johns as new coach Anthony Seibold challenges Milford and his teammates to find the chemistry that can deliver Brisbane’s seventh premiership.

During the past month, Milford, halfback Kodi Nikorima, hooker Andrew Mccullough, skipper Darius Boyd and rookie recruit Sean O’sullivan have travelled south for personal sessions with Johns.

“I see the Broncos as a topfour side,” Johns said.

“I did some stuff with the Souths halves last year when ‘Seibs’ was there and we got some good results.

“When Anthony (Seibold) arrived at the Broncos, he called me and said can we do the same thing with these blokes (Brisbane’s halves).

“I’ve done two sessions now in the last few weeks and we’ll probably get together one more time before the premiership starts.

“Kodi and ‘Milf’ have been excellent. I’ve been genuinely impressed by all of the guys who have flown down.

“The Broncos are going to shock some people this year.”