Brisbane Broncos players were trying to keep a lid on their emotions with the hype surrounding the return to Suncorp Stadium gathering momentum.

Ticket sales for Sunday's "welcome back" game at the revamped ground, with capacity increased to 52,000, edged towards 45,000 with fans planning an old-fashioned Lang Park-style reception for Newcastle.

Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett kept his players' minds on the job with a torturous training session which had them almost out on their feet.

The players shuffled between rowing, bike and grinding machines to boxing and ball work drills with hardly a minute's rest in unusually hot weather for May.

Second-rower Brad Meyers said there hadn't been much talk amongst the players about Sunday's game - the first at the ground since 1993 - even though there was a "buzz" around Red Hill.

"I think everyone is trying to keep it low key," said Meyers, looking for a big game to cement a place in Queensland's 17-man Origin squad named next Monday.

"There are a few players from both sides who'd like a big game.

"Newcastle are always tough and they'll be pretty pumped, especially after losing to the Sharks last week."

Meyers said Brisbane had not taken much notice of the reported rift between Newcastle halfback Andrew Johns and NSW Origin coach Phil Gould which could have Johns primed for a special performance in his 200th game.

"We're not worrying about it," he said.

Meyers, who missed last year's series after a drop in the form which won him Origin and Australian selection in 2001, has adopted a different attitude this season.

"I took a lot of things for granted last year," said the red-haired forward.

"I got down on myself and I didn't play very well.

"But I'm enjoying my footy again and Origin football is in the back of my mind.

"I just want to play well for the Broncos and I'm sure there'll be a lot of players looking for big games on Sunday with the Origin teams to be named."

Hooker Richard Swain has been named in Brisbane's 18-man squad after an ankle injury halted his 146-game unbroken streak last weekend.

Swain was wearing a protective splint on the ankle today but was included the squad along with back-up hooker Barry Berrigan.

Meanwhile Newcastle's Test winger Timana Tahu is back for the Knights after missing the losses to Cronulla and the Sydney Roosters with a calf injury.

Matthew Kennedy has been left out of the squad which will be chasing the club's first win over the Broncos in Brisbane.

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