That translated to a constant sense of uncertainty on-field and led to disastrous results. It also looms as the key area new coach Kevin Walters needs to get right in 2021.<\/p>\n
Lockyer believes there is an answer to the Broncos' riddle, and has called on several of the club's biggest names to step up and start staking their claim to the game's most pivotal positions.<\/p>\n
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"There are some good kids in the system but I think a lot of people have been saying for years now, it's about getting our spine right at the Broncos," Lockyer told Wide World of Sports.<\/p>\n
"We've got a lot of good middle forwards that can get you forward in a game but it's just about getting those key players to take advantage of that. That's the million-dollar question. I don't think anyone has got an answer.<\/p>\n
"It's a big year for Anthony Milford because he's coming off contract. We've seen what he's capable of but it just hasn't been consistent enough.<\/p>\n
"Jamayne Isaako is a real pro, but there is a young kid in Reece Walsh who is there and is going to put pressure, there is going to be some competition for the fullback spot between those two.<\/p>\n
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"Jake Turpin had a rough year last year with injuries, but if he wants to make that (No.9) his jersey, he needs to have a good year as well.<\/p>\n
"Tom Dearden is also now in a two-way battle with Brodie Croft so there are more questions than answers about who is the long-term No.7"<\/p>\n
Dearden's apparent demotion from the halfback position set tongues wagging last week when the 19-year-old was punted in an opposed training session in favour of Croft who fell largely out of favour in the latter half of 2020.<\/a><\/p>\n While Lockyer didn't see it as a definite sign Dearden had been ousted from Walter's halves, he believed his competition with Croft was a necessary part of his growth at Red Hill.<\/p>\n "I think this is just part of his development," Lockyer said.<\/p>\n "Being a kid and getting thrown into the pressure cooker last year, he handed it very well. But at the start of your career, you're going to have flat periods.<\/p>\n "So maybe that is one of them right now. But I know the person he is, he'll fight, and he'll fight back. From the perspective of having the perspective in having competition between him and croft \u2013 it's healthy for the club."<\/p>\n The Broncos kick off their 2021 campaign against the Eels tonight<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n