Talented Brisbane youngster Gerard Beale has claimed early bragging rights as the battle for AFL defector Israel Folau's prized centre spot hots up.

Folau's departure - and Melbourne Storm star Greg Inglis' decision to back out of a handshake deal with Brisbane - has given Beale and others a lifeline as Broncos coach Ivan Henjak weighs up his backline options for 2011.

Beale, 20, is one of several players capable of slotting into the centres along with another exciting prospect Dane Gagai, Dale Copley, Norths hopeful Jack Reed and mobile back-rowers Matt Gillett, Ben Te'o, and Alex Glenn.

Former Broncos premiership winner Dane Carlaw, back from a stint in the UK, is another.

To coach Ivan Henjak's delight, Beale has raised the bar at training already, some 10 weeks out from the trials.

"I'm really happy with the pre-season," declared Beale following a steamy field session.

"It's the fittest, fastest and strongest I've ever been which gives me a lot of confidence for next year."

Early testing backs up Beale's boast, his 40 metre time faster than any other player and his skin folds the best they've been.

"I've got it over Jharal (Yow Yeh) and Kempy (Denam Kemp) which I'm pretty happy about at the moment," he said.

"It's not any record, there's been faster guys come through the club, but I've got it for now anyway.

"The goal was to be stronger and faster than last year and I've managed to put on a few kilos and strip down some body fat so I feel better."

Beale played the first seven games last season in the centres, wing and off the bench until suffering a knee injury.

It was a big learning curve for the Logan Brothers junior who quickly realised his defence needed some work, which he's addressing.

Beale missed 21 tackles in his first five NRL games and just six in his last five.

"I know I can improve my defence and Ivan wants me to get my hands on the ball more which are things I'm working on," he said.

Henjak is pleased with how Beale and others have taken to the challenge.

"Gerard's flying at the moment but Jack Reed from Norths is going really well and putting on some pressure as is young Gagai," Henjak said.

"We've got guys like Dane Carlaw, Alex Glenn, Ben Te'o and Matt Gillett who are all options.

"It'll all unfold when we get close to the trials.

"Young Reed from the Queensland Cup hasn't missed a beat, he looks like he's been here for 10 years.

"Trial form is going to be crucial.

"Some guys are going to miss out and and they'll be disappointed, it'll be tough telling them in the first game.

"It's a long season and as you saw last season injuries take their toll so those players have to be ready when the call comes."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP