First there was frustration. Then a sense of deja vu.
Now another, albeit unexpected, feeling is pulsing through a desperate Broncos camp ahead of Friday night's must-win NRL clash against Newcastle - fun.
Rather than kick cans over last round's 28-12 loss at Penrith, Broncos captain Sam Thaiday said his team which welcomed back Alex Glenn (broken thumb) would simply try to enjoy themselves to keep alive their faint top eight hopes.
For the past month Brisbane have run out for "must win" games.
Nothing has changed for the 13th-placed Broncos - especially after being torn up the middle by Penrith hooker James Segeyaro last week.
However, Thaiday said a different approach at training may just hold the key to securing a last gasp finals berth.
"It feels like we have been in this situation before but we are feeling positive," Thaiday said on Tuesday.
"Last round was frustrating but we have moved on.
"Monday was a fun session. We want to bring the fun back.
"Football is meant to be fun. We want to play like you train. I am sure you might see a few different things this week from us.
"It is not done and dusted for us yet. I know I am not giving up (on finals). It's not over yet."
However, it hasn't all been fun and games for the Broncos in the wake of their last round loss.
Thaiday admitted watching replays of the game was hard to stomach, especially Segeyaro's slicing dummy half runs that carved up Brisbane's "soft" defence.
No wonder Brisbane hit the tackle bags hard on Tuesday as they prepared for their do-or-die clash.
"We don't want them rolling through the middle of the field on Friday because they have some great attacking players with wheels who will punish us," he said.
"That (defence) is what let us down last week. We were pretty soft in that area.
"We have to make sure our eyes are on the prize and we do whatever it takes to win."
Securing a top eight finish is motivation enough.
But Thaiday admitted avenging their August 2 18-all draw in Newcastle that further hindered their finals hopes would also provide incentive.
"For 77 minutes we had them beat," Thaiday said.
"It was a tough 90 minutes and not something we are going to forget.
"We have looked over that video and saw things we can improve."
Broncos lock Corey Parker said footage of three-try hero Segeyaro's darting runs from dummy half last round clash was probably more alarming.
"It was unacceptable, and I can only assume that Newcastle will be looking at that tape and coming in the same direction," he said.
"It will be a challenge down the middle again but we had a good look at it and I am sure it will be different."
