Eels woes still haunt Flegler ahead of opener

If a nightmare 2020 wasn't enough, the Broncos' recent struggles against Parramatta also still linger for Tom Flegler ahead of their season opener at Suncorp Stadium.

Some would argue the 58-0 finals thrashing at the hands of the Eels in the 2019 finals was the catalyst to the Broncos' disastrous campaign last season.  

The Eels have outscored the Broncos 172-45 over the past two years with only a one-point win for the Broncos in round 24 of 2019 going their way.

The Eels looked physically fit in a high-intensity trial against the Panthers despite struggling to find points in attack, while the Broncos faded in the second half of their clash with North Queensland.

"Everyone knows our history with Parramatta so we'll be looking to get one up on them," Flegler said.

"We owe them heaps. There are a few big blokes [in their side], it's going to be a good contest.

"The better we [the Brisbane forwards] can play the more it makes the rest of the [players'] job's easier. If you're not doing your job the game just falls apart.

"We've got to be clean around the ruck and the fitter we are the better it is."

Flegler insists he's in no doubt to take their field on March 12 despite lasting just 25 minutes against the Cowboys with a shoulder concern.

Despite undergoing a shoulder reconstruction in the off-season, he said the incident was just a scare.

"I didn't want to risk it in the trial so came off but I'm fit to play, there are no dramas there," Flegler said.

"I was a bit nervous but there's nothing wrong with it. I think the first few games you're always going to be nervous about it.

"[But] you can't hide, the best thing to do is to rip straight in."

Flegler is a vital piece for Kevin Walters in the side's forward pack with Payne Haas sidelined for the opening month through suspension.

"Payne's a big loss for us and we've got to compensate for that," Flegler said.

"I didn't have the best of years last year so this year I've got to focus on playing consistent footy."

Meanwhile, the halfback conundrum at the Broncos has continued with Walters understood to be torn over who should play in the No.7 jersey in a weeks' time.

Brodie Croft ran the team during an opposed session earlier in the week before Tom Dearden took command on Thursday.

"You'd have to ask Kevvie that one," Flegler said.

"Whoever gets that position I'm sure the other person is going to go play Q Cup and try their hardest."