Broncos bracing for Bird's inclusion

Peter Cassidy | rugbyleaguelive.com | 24/07/08 | 0

AUDIO - 'Time to get our game together': Henjak

Broncos assistant coach Ivan Henjak expects Greg Bird to make a shock return for the Sharks on Friday night, but insists it won't change Brisbane's game plan.

Bird is recovering from knee ligament damage and wasn't named by Cronulla coach Ricky Stuart to take on the Broncos.

But Henjak says it's time for the Broncos to 'start getting their game together', regardless of whether or not the Origin pivot takes the field.

"We've made a point that he might be playing," Henjak said after the Broncos finalised their preparations on a wet track in Brisbane on Thursday.

"We've had a look at things that he can do, but it's not going to affect the way we play."

With the Broncos still eying a top four finals berth, Henjak says the team's shock Round 18 loss to the depleted Bulldogs served as a wake-up call.

"We realise that we've played some teams that we really should have put away... if we're going to be any sort of show this year," said Henjak.

"We haven’t been able to do that.

"It’s time to start getting our game together.

"There's not going to be any more second chances. They need to perform otherwise he (coach Wayne Bennett) will make changes."

The Broncos welcome back lock Tonie Carroll and bench prop Nick Kenny for the clash, with both passing fitness tests on ankle injuries.

Listen to Hanjak's preview of the Friday night blockbuster by clinking on the audio link above.

There's not going to be any more second chances. They need to perform otherwise he (coach Wayne Bennett) will make changes... Ivan Henjak, Brisbane assistant coach