Brisbane will unveil the halves pairing they have waited more than 20 years for when Ben Hunt and Adam Reynolds take on the Sydney Roosters on Thursday night.
The Broncos have fielded outstanding play-making combinations since Kevin Walters and Allan Langer ruled the roost in the 1990s, but none as experienced as the two 34-year-olds.
You can't manufacture muscle memory in the big moments. Both Hunt and Reynolds have lived every scenario in a combined 621 NRL games, and believe they have plenty more to offer in their twilight years.
Anyone who watched the Broncos last year, without Reynolds for much of it because of injury, would have noted the lack of direction in a side brimming with talent.
Now, whether they go left or right, the two golden oldies can be relied on to do the business and unlock the talents of attacking weapons such as Reece Walsh and Deine Mariner.
A weight has been lifted off Reynolds' shoulders as Hunt prepares to play his first NRL game in Broncos colours since 2017.
"It's great to have another leader in the team. Experience plays a massive part, and Ben knows when to pull the trigger and when not to," Reynolds said.
"He has a good read for the game, is a super-competitive person and breeds that amongst the group as well.
"Ben is a winner and has showed that on the biggest stage and is going to be a handy addition. He calms things down as well. When things don't go perfect out there it is good to have another experienced player to read the room and get us back to our processes."
Hunt, who took on a lot at St George Illawarra as the primary playmaker, told AAP last week he was looking forward to playing with more freedom due to Reynolds' proven record as a game manager.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire has elevated hooker Cory Paix, back-rower Jack Gosiewski, lock Kobe Hetherington and centre Gehamat Shibasaki to the starting line-up. He has rewarded hard work, mental toughness and a defensive mindset in his players.
"They are my style (of players) and they have got the first opportunity for round one," Maguire said.
"We have got a lot of competition within the team. I said to the players, 'go out and perform at training and when we get to round one I will pick what I believe is the right team.
"There are a number of players who are outside the squad that could be in the squad, so it is a good place to be as a coach."
The Roosters have been a disappointment in the pre-season after losing big guns Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Luke Keary and Joey Manu at the end of last year. Half Sam Walker and hooker Brandon Smith are both on the long-term injury list.
Maguire said the Broncos, who finished 12th last year, would not be lulled into a false sense of security.
"We have got to build from where we are and focus on what we are doing," he said.
Canberra Times
