Quote:

 

Ennis to play at halfback for Broncos
Saturday, May 26, 2007 - 12:29 PM

Coach Wayne Bennett has turned to scrum utility Michael Ennis as a last resort to solve Brisbane's halfback headache against Newcastle on Sunday.

Ennis suffered a major knee injury last season and has taken time to find form and confidence but Bennett thinks he's ready to tackle the No.7 duties and take some pressure off skipper Darren Lockyer.

Bennett has used a number of players at halfback this season including Test and Origin fullback Karmichael Hunt, Shane Perry, who played in last year's grand final, youngster Joel Moon and even Lockyer.

He's allowed Ennis to find his feet off the bench and starting at hooker, but Sunday's assignment against rookie NSW Origin half Jarrod Mullen is a chance to grab a permanent starting spot.

"I just think he can bring some things to us that we probably need right now," said Bennett, who said his Origin players had come back in great condition after a few days rest.

Bennett has reshuffled his back-line with Darius Boys moving into the centres, Brent Tate going into the wing and Ennis at half.

"Michael is a good organiser, a good talker and he played all his junior football at half.

"He's got a good kicking game and defensively his sound. It's all designed to get a bit of pressure off Darren (Lockyer) if we can."

Bennett said Ennis had started the season poorly which was to be expected following a knee reconstruction.

He played him at half late in Monday night's loss to Manly and liked what he saw.

"I realised the game was lost and I put him in at half and saw some things I liked at different stages and I thought 'we've got to do something' so he gets a chance," Bennett said.

"He's a talker, a communicator and an organiser which is all part of that role."

Asked if it could be permanent, Bennett said "I'm sick of making the temporary ones".

With three wins from 10 games two points on Sunday is critical for Brisbane but Bennett again dismissed concerns about the Broncos form.

"We're not out for form, which is pretty important," he said.

"Sometimes you're battling different demons but this is not a football team that is out of form if you look at the performances of the 17 guys who are going to go out and play tomorrow."

Ben Hannant's strong performance starting against Manly has earned him another start against the Knights.

"I'd never realised that last week was the first time he's ever started for us in his NRL," said Bennett.

"He had a wonderful game for us in Sydney and we need some momentum so I'm trying to keep it going."

Source: AAP

Hodgo

May 26 2007, 03:47 PM

I had a few bevvies. Lucky I didn't throw the bottles against the wall.

I'm going to a 30th tonight and getting pumped for it. Should be a good night. Got the gatorade in the fridge ready for tomorrow morning.

Are the Broncos gone this season ? They should win tomorrow but if they lose that then they are in biggggggggg trouble IMO.

leaguegod

May 26 2007, 04:02 PM

there was another broncos stable here after sportal went down, but its gone :P

the only thread that always thrives in the dogg pound :yeah:

not sure about ennis to halfback, how many different halves combinations have the broncos used ?

leaguegod

May 26 2007, 04:02 PM

there was another broncos stable here after sportal went down, but its gone :P

the only thread that always thrives in the dogg pound :yeah:

Ace

May 26 2007, 04:53 PM

Hodgo

May 26 2007, 03:47 PM

I had a few bevvies. Lucky I didn't throw the bottles against the wall.

I'm going to a 30th tonight and getting pumped for it. Should be a good night. Got the gatorade in the fridge ready for tomorrow morning.

Are the Broncos gone this season ? They should win tomorrow but if they lose that then they are in biggggggggg trouble IMO.

I think I worked out that if they lose 4 more games they will be without much chance of making the 8.