TODD BALYM NEWS LIMITED JANUARY 13, 2014 11:00PM
KIWI Test star Alex Glenn has likened Ben Barba's arrival at Brisbane to the enormous impact Sonny Bill Williams delivered to New Zealand, with the Broncos now possessing an "aura of something is going to happen this year".
The mass changes that swept through Red Hill finally subsided yesterday as the full Broncos training squad reunited for the first time, with World Cup heroes Corey Parker, Sam Thaiday, Josh Hoffman and Glenn all reporting for duty.
Hoffman's appearance put to rest his off-season of disenchantment, when he asked for a release to Canterbury. The star fullback looked comfortable running at right centre outside Barba, who looks certain to start the year in the No.1 jersey.
Barba may have limped away from the session with ice on his troubled right ankle, but Glenn could already sense the impact the 2012 Dally M medallist could bring to the Broncos.
Ben Barba during training yesterday.
Ben Barba during training yesterday. Source: News Limited
"He is a strike player and a very key player," Glenn said.
"It definitely brings a lot of excitement, you've seen the talent that Benny has got and he can produce.
"Obviously there are players that are very nervous because he is coming in and he might be taking your position, like Hoffy was, but it's very exciting when you get a player of that stature who can perform on the field as strong as he can.
"You always want to play with players like that, I got the opportunity to play with Sonny (Bill Williams) and it was the same thing playing with him, you learn new stuff from professionals like them and take it on board."
Ben Barba ices his ankle during training.
Ben Barba ices his ankle during training. Source: News Limited
Glenn said Hoffman had put his desire to leave the club behind him and had reported for training happy and determined to produce a big season.
"To see him back in training and with a big smile . . . I think that break freshened him up and he got on with his business," he said.
"There is no doubt that he will be ready for a big season this year."
Josh Hoffman (front) is expected to play centre, with Ben Barba (back) in the No. 1 jersey. Picture: Tim Marsden
Josh Hoffman (front) is expected to play centre, with Ben Barba (back) in the No. 1 jersey. Picture: Tim Marsden Source: News Limited
Glenn admitted he was surprised by last week's captaincy shock, when Thaiday was replaced by Parker and Justin Hodges.
Hodges was absent from training yesterday as he recovers from an achilles injury. He is said to be pushing for a return as soon as round one, despite initially being expected to miss almost half the season.
"They had to make some changes and what's done is done and we're moving forward," Glenn said. "But to see the boys and the vibe you know you just get that aura of something is going to happen this year. It's great." .
