Brisbane Broncos say trial match not a free ride through preseason (Post Courier 23/02/18)

from left SP PNG Hunters coach Michael Marum Captain Stargroth Amean, Broncos Captain Alex Glen and Coach Jason Demetriou pic by FIDELIS SUKINA

BY FIDELIS SUKINA

It’s was a rock star reception but it won’t be a free ride for the Broncos team says Captain Alex Glen.

Glen who was part of the Cook Islands team that lost to PNG in a test match last year has the experience of what Papua New Guinea player’s posses.

“I know it’s going to be physical against the Hunters I played with the Cook Islands team in the Pacific test and they were very physical and tough they played with a lot of skill swell and it won’t be easy they got a lot of skill and proved that winning the Intrust Super Cup.

“Preparation has been tough and we have been working hard in our training sessions preparing for the game, so we don’t think we going to come up here and it’s going to be a free ride just getting on with the 80minutes and not worrying about the results,” Glen said.

He told media at the Stanley Hotel that their welcome was a rock star reception, but that is part of the experience but Glen added that they have worked hard on ending their preseason on a high.

“This week has been tough we know we will be playing a physical side and they will be in front of their home crowd as well they want to make sure they do their best before round one.

“We want to make sure we are playing our game and playing our structure and walking out happy with the way pre season has gone leading into round one,” Glen said.

He was part of a rock star reception that he says only happens to rock stars that come to a city, and the welcome at the airport had all the glitz and glamour of it all.

“It was a rock star moment for me, as soon as the team walked out of the airport everyone was cheering and clapping and big smiles on their faces hundreds of cameras everywhere we saw hundreds of people up on the fence as well a rock star moment for stars when they come to a city,” Glen said

The second rower for the Broncos also commented on the humidity and the importance of hydration for the team.

“When we landed the pilot said it was 34 degrees and everyone gave a deep sigh and as soon as you walk outside you can feel the heat it’s going to be hot on Saturday and we better make sure we are hydrated,” Glen said.