Despite Wayne Bennett's assurances that he won't be dropped, Brisbane veteran Sam Thaiday says he wouldn't be surprised to find himself back in reserve grade.
Like everyone at Red Hill, Thaiday is having questions asked of him after the Broncos' lacklustre start to the NRL season.
The former Queensland and Australian back-rower has been the subject of criticism from the likes of Steve Roach and Chris Walker over the past week, with some suggesting he's played one season too many.
Thaiday has averaged 56 metres and 17 tackles this year from the bench, where he will once again start against the Warriors on Saturday in Auckland.
Like many ageing champions, he's having his used-by-date questioned.
While Thaiday says everyone is entitled to their opinion, it's obviously something that's rankled the former Broncos skipper.
"It's done and dusted," Thaiday said as he refused to answer questions about Walker's criticism.
Broncos coach Bennett has publicly assured Thaiday he won't be dropped in what shapes as the 16th and final season of his career.
"It's good to know I've got the full support of Wayne and I'm just going to go out and enjoy the rest of the year as much as I can," Thaiday said.
"Behind closed doors Wayne's always had my back and supported me 100 per cent.
"It's not news to me."
However he concedes nothing is certain in rugby league and said he wouldn't be taken by surprise if he was dropped.
"It's rugby league. Nothing surprises me in rugby league," Thaiday said.
"We'll see what happens."
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