Ben Hunt admits he's surprised by Brisbane's strong position heading into the NRL finals and has lauded the club's young players for stepping up when needed.
The Broncos sit third on the ladder after last week's thumping win over Canterbury and with captain Darius Boyd (broken thumb) expected to be back on deck for Friday's trip to Parramatta, they have most of their stars fit and firing at the right time of the year.
They also negotiated the State of Origin period well and remained consistent through the injury-enforced absences of players like Boyd, Hunt and Anthony Milford.
Brisbane also have a reasonably friendly run home with four of their last five matches to be played in south-east Queensland.
"It's a bit of a surprise to be where we are, considering a few injuries and different things that have happened throughout the year," Hunt told reporters on Monday.
"It's a real credit to the club to show the depth we've got.
"You look at the younger guys in the team like (Joe) Ofahengaue coming off the bench, they're playing some of the best footy they've played.
"It's the guys who aren't the stars, they're doing all the good things and getting the job done.
"We're obviously in a good position now but nothing's set, we've got to finish the year strong and put ourselves in a good shape for the finals."
Hunt admits one of those youngsters, utility Kodi Nikorima, is threatening to steal his No.7 jersey every week.
Nikorima replaced him when he was dropped to the Queensland Cup last month and will become Brisbane's first-choice halfback next season when Hunt moves to St George-Illawarra.
"If I don't stay on my toes, he'll be taking my spot again," Hunt said.
"He had a really good stint there when I was out and I think he's a great player, Kodi.
"(Getting dropped) was a pretty good little lesson. Wayne put me back there, it really put a bit of a fire back in my belly and made me hungrier to get back and play some good footy again."
Such is Brisbane's depth, Nikorima is no guarantee to even remain in the squad for the Eels clash after filling in for Boyd last week against the Bulldogs, and faces a selection battle with veteran back-up Benji Marshall.
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