They're not quite the Broncos of old, but Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett believes his side is headed in the right direction.

And if their 26-14 win over the National Rugby League premiership favourites, the Sydney Roosters, at Aussie Stadium is anything to go by, his confidence is well-founded.

Even allowing for the Roosters' injury and suspension problems - which cost the club five internationals - the Broncos showed enough to indicate they'll be a force this season.

"It would be pretty harsh if I wasn't pleased with it," Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett said.

"We're starting to look like the Broncos of old. We haven't been for a quite a long time. We're starting to put in for each other as well which is an important part of the game."

The Berrigan brothers were the Broncos' stars.

Centre Shaun helped himself to two tries while Barry scored a crucial try after half-time which proved to be the catalyst for Brisbane's victory.

The 28-year-old, who made his first grade debut with the Bulldogs in 1995 as a halfback, squirted out of dummy half and burrowed over in the 51st minute to make the score 18-4.

Five minutes later his brother grabbed his second try - both of which came off Darren Lockyer kicks - and the Broncos had a match-winning 24-4 lead.

"I think he's like a lot of footballers that come into the big league when they're young and get swallowed up by it," Bennett said of Barry Berrigan, who went back to playing in the country and the Queensland Cup before being snapped up by Brisbane last season.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP