Nobody was more surprised by Matt Gillett's impressive debut NRL season than Matt Gillett himself.

Taking out the NRL's rookie-of-the-year award in 2010 and playing for Australia in the Prime Minister's XIII against PNG last month completed a remarkable campaign for the former Bribie Island junior, who has been earmarked for representative honours in 2011.

After originally offering the 22-year-old Gillett a two-year deal for 2010-11, Brisbane quickly realised his talent and extended their offer until 2013.

"I surprised myself a lot," said Gillett, headed for a more permanent home in the Broncos backrow in 2011.

"I was really happy with the way the year went. Playing Papua New Guinea representing Australia, that was special over there.

"It was a great experience, not just the football but trying to do something to help the people out over there.

"Their fans are just crazy which makes you feel really lucky to go over there and play for them."

Gillett played in the scrum and also out in the backline as a utility in 2010, scoring 12 tries in 22 games after coming out of the Queensland Cup the previous season.

While you won't hear the softly spoken Gillett talking up Origin or Test football in 2011, there are some good judges tipping he'll back up his eye-catching NRL arrival with another strong season.

Gillett has already been told about the second year blues and warned he could find himself a marked man.

"Last year was good, but hopefully I can back it up with another good season," he said.

"A few people have been saying things like the second year will be tougher because coaches and players know a lot more about you and they can do their homework on you.

"I know it will be a bit tougher this year so I have to work a bit harder on the little extra things in my game.

"Everyone wants to play rep football but I just want to secure a position in (Brisbane's) 17 this season and play good football for the Broncos then see what happens from there."

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