Ivan Henjak faces plenty of scrutiny over the next seven months and solving Brisbane's front row puzzle could hold the key to his success.

Following master coach Wayne Bennett, the man who built Brisbane's amazing record of six premierships and 18 straight finals campaigns in a 21-season stint was always going to be a tough act to follow.

Bennett was a genius at masking his emotions.

The emotional Henjak is an open book.

Henjak though isn't some wet behind the ears rookie - far from it.

He understands Brisbane's culture and history better than any coach the club could have appointed to replace Bennett.

But stepping into the boots of a man regarded up alongside Jack Gibson as one of truly great coaches carries with it added pressure with inevitable reminders of past deeds.

"Being an assistant to Wayne for a few years has helped me as far as being coach and that role hasn't changed, it's getting used to making the day to day decisions, and I have my moments with that," admits Henjak.

Key to Henjak's first season is rebuilding a pack that has lost three representative props in three successive seasons.

Last year young Ben Hannant stood up to fill the void left by Petero Civoniceva and Shane Webcke (retired end of 2006) and was rewarded with a Queensland jumper.

But with Hannant joining Michael Ennis and David Stagg at the Bulldogs, Brisbane lack top level experience in their front row.

Brisbane's ace though is its "Hollywood" backline - even though Darius Boyd, Denan Kemp and Joel Moon have all moved on to other clubs.

Darren Lockyer, Justin Hodges, Israel Folau, Peter Wallace and Karmichael Hunt are enough to give any rival coach cold sweats.

But even superstars need space and it's Brisbane's engine room where the question mark hangs.

Former Panther Joel Clinton, who played one Test for Australia in 2004, had an unhappy 2008 debut season.

But he's bulked up and is keen to return to his hard-running best.

Nick Kenny, Brisbane's other likely starting prop, is a hard worker, still improving his game.

Teenage front-rower Dave Taylor, who battled a number of issues under Bennett, is the wild card.

At just 19, he finds himself at the crossroads of his career.

If he knuckles down and plays to his potential Brisbane should be a force.

If he doesn't, Brisbane's gamble to pin their faith in unfashionable back-ups like Aaron Sweeney, a tough nut who was a standout in the Queensland Cup, and young local Josh McGuire, will be put to the test earlier than hoped.

"Sweeney's attitude and the improvements he's made both in his physical shape and the skills things we're doing, we're quietly confident he can do a job for us this season," said Henjak.

"I'm not worried about our front-row with Nick Kenny and Joel (Clinton) both putting on some extra beef while holding their speed.

"Our young guys haven't missed a beat either."

Brisbane is developing a secret weapon in 18-year-old Auckland born Will Tupou who's caught the eye pre-season.

"He was a centre last year (under 20s) but he's been training in the forwards and he's been a pleasant surprise for us in that position so we'll persevere down that track with him," said Henjak.

Captain Darren Lockyer said changes often brought enthusiasm and he expects the Broncos to be a tougher force than their semi-final elimination last year.

"There's a lot of talent in our backline and a lot of players vying for positions in the forwards which is always good," said the skipper.

"The ingredients are there.

"If the players apply themselves the way they need, I think we're in for a good year.

"Last year the guys did a good job and I reckon they'll do a better in the second year.

"Guys like Nick Kenny and Joel Clinton will have to take on more responsibility and more of a leadership role along with guys who've been there a while like Corey Parker and Sam Thaiday.

"I think there's a good balance there."

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