Thaiday talks leadership

Brisbane forward Sam Thaiday admits taking the Broncos’ captaincy on from club legend Darren Lockyer was a hard act to follow.

Thaiday’s maiden season in the hot seat last year saw the Broncos scrape into the top eight and depart from the finals at the qualifying final stage with a heavy loss to North Queensland.

Meanwhile, second-rower Thaiday’s own campaign was hampered by a shoulder injury, but the 27-year-old insists he is still learning as a captain.

“I have been very lucky to have played under some great captains at this club,” Thaiday told the Broncos’ official website.

“Andrew Gee was my captain in my first game and then I played under Gorden Tallis.

“And then Darren Lockyer who I played under for so many years was such an inspirational player and such a great leader as well.

“If I can try and take a little bit from all those captains, and they were all different, and try to put my own little flavour on it, I am sure I can be a successful captain too.”

Thaiday, who also skippered Australia against New Zealand at the end of the year, is also setting himself a target to improve on a personal level.

“There are little things I will work on myself this year and hopefully I can improve as a player,” he added.

“I was a little stand-offish towards the end of last year because of a (shoulder) injury, but that’s all fixed now.

“I’ve got no excuses – I just have to go out and play some good footy.”