FORMER rugby league international Shane Webcke has warned against reading too much into the Brisbane Broncos' indifferent trial form.
The Broncos have already been written off in some quarters after a 32-16 loss to Canberra and an unconvincing 24-22 victory against Queensland Cup side Redcliffe in their most recent trial matches.
Webcke, a four-time premiership winning prop forward for the Broncos, said the only people making much of Brisbane’s early season struggles were the media and fans excited about their team’s fortunes.
"A trial match, for the players, means nothing," he said while in Cairns yesterday to promote the Suncorp SunWise Grant Scheme.
"I played in teams that didn’t win a trial match but went on to win the Grand Final.
"I think people just get excited about the footy being on again and want to know how their team is doing."
Webcke said while trials were often seen as a necessary evil by players and coaching staff, they provided great promotional value for the code, taking the game to fans in regional areas.
The former Broncos enforcer also believed the Broncos should pursue Melbourne Storm mentor Craig Bellamy to coach the side in 2010 after his current contract expires.
"I think if Craig Bellamy is interested they should pursue that avenue because, bar Wayne (Bennett), he’s the best coach in the competition," he said.
Webcke said it was unlikely Bellamy would break his contract with the Storm, meaning the Broncos would need an interim coach for the 2009 season after Bennett’s contract expires this year.
He said the Broncos had a ready-made replacement in assistant coach Ivan Henjak, who he envisaged would share the job, and would ultimately benefit from the experience gained.
The veteran of 24 State of Origin and Super League appearances for Queensland and 19 Tests for Australia, said he was looking forward to the 2008 season.
"It’s my second year out of the game now and I’m more comfortable now that I’m over the shock of not playing," he said.
"I think, with it being the 100 years of rugby league and the World Cup in Australia, it’s a very exciting year for the game.
As SunWise ambassador, Webcke was in the city to promote sun smart practices and the Suncorp SunWise Grant Scheme which provides community groups, schools, sporting cubs and charities with 4m x 4m shade structures.
Webcke, who was recently named by the National Rugby League as one of its 100 best players of the past century, said his family and friends had been affected by sun cancer and that it was preventable.
