Playmaker Tim Smith looks a strong prospect to play regularly with Brisbane this NRL season after impressing coach Ivan Henjak in training.

But that doesn't mean Darren Lockyer will be switching positions, Henjak says.

Smith, a former rookie of the year, has impressed with his dedication and hard work since joining the Broncos squad for pre-season training under an arrangement with their feeder club, Queensland Cup side Brisbane Easts.

He put in a hard session on Thursday at the start of a four-day pre-season training camp at Casuarina Beach on the Tweed coast.

Henjak told reporters he has a number of different options in mind for the comeback kid, but isn't looking at shuffling Lockyer around.

"Tim's certainly in the mix if something happens in our halves," he said.

"At the moment obviously Peter Wallace and Darren Lockyer are our halves, but if Timmy goes really well he could maybe force a bench position and if there's an injury there then it's easy to slot him in.

"He's going really well, I'm really pleased with the work he's doing ... he'll get a game in the trials and then we'll make a decision from there.

"I can't fault him so far this year, he's been tremendous at training, he's one of our fittest guys, he's very skilful, his attitude's been great - he hasn't put a foot wrong.

"Every indication and everything he does is showing me that he wants to get a spot in the 17.

"Lockyer's position hasn't changed, he's still the number six and that's where he'll stay."

Corey Parker was also full of praise for Smith's efforts.

"Tim's a very classy player," he said.

"We've all seen him play on TV but to have him at training and to have his skills around is obviously an advantage for our guys, and Tim's very young also so hopefully he can hang around for a long time."

With the first trial games of the season looming, Henjak has promoted a host of youngsters into his squad and is pleased with how they've aimed up.

"We've made it clear to them there's some opportunities for positions there," he said.

"We've lost some players from last year and with Justin Hodges being injured we've got quite a few options in a number of areas, so there'll be some competition there.

"We're trying to get ready for the trials that are coming up and the physicality and intensity certainly have to go up, so I was quite pleased with that but there's still a long way to go."

Corey Parker said even the most established players were feeling the heat.

"There's a lot of players fighting for everyone's position, so you really have to keep on your toes even at training as well as in the game, so you're always looking over your shoulder to see who's coming," Parker said.

"We've done a lot of running, in terms of mileage under our belt, before Christmas and now it's a good opportunity to step up the intensity at training."

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