Renouf: Nines success just what Broncos, Milford need

The Broncos have a golden opportunity to kick-start their season with a massive injection of confidence by winning the NRL Nines.

With the way last year ended, coach Anthony Seibold wants a really good start and when you look at the team he has taken to Perth it is clear the Broncos are going all out to win.

Winning the Nines won't erase the memory of that 58-0 loss to the Eels in the first week of the finals but it will add a healthy dose of belief.

I know Nines is a different format but the coach is testing out the Anthony Milford and Brodie Croft halves partnership for the first time in the hope they can replicate their form from the training paddock.

It is all well and good to look sharp in a Red Hill pre-season but they now need time on the field in games to build a combination.

This format is a great opportunity for Milford to get some confidence. He will have the freedom to roam and play the way that comes naturally to him.

He won't be in a straitjacket and also won't have game management responsibility. You can't underestimate how much of a boost it will be if he can set tries up and score a few.

Last year had its challenges for Milford as he finished the season at fullback.

Now he is back in the position where I think he is at his best and the Broncos will want their speedy outside backs like Herbie Farnworth, Izaia Perese, Tesi Niu, Jesse Arthars and Jamayne Isaaako to get on the back of what he creates.

What I am really impressed with is that Seibold has named explosive young forwards Payne Haas and David Fifita. They are arguably as quick as a lot of the backs.

Having those two machines running around in the Nines is going to be amazing. I'd be giving them the ball all day.

Fifita carved up for the Kangaroos at the World Nines and I have a feeling he will do that again for the Broncos in Perth.

I hope the Broncos players can this year realise the advantage of following Haas and Fifita when they make their barnstorming runs. They are so big, mobile and creative. Too often last year they died with the football.

This Nines format will see them do a lot of lateral running but they can't afford to be left like shags on a rock.

If Brisbane can get that support play going in the Nines it should translate into the 13-a-side season.

The Broncos want to prove to themselves and their fans that they have learned plenty from their 2019 fadeout. They will want to make a statement early.

It is a shame that Xavier Coates is not available for the trip through injury but one player I am really looking forward to watching is Farnworth.

What I like about Herbie is that he is quick and elusive, but also tough. He loves having the ball in his hand and will hit it up like another forward.

I was impressed with the work he did in his debut NRL game last year against Cronulla where he'd come one off the ruck from inside his own quarter. He backed that same mentality up the next week against the Warriors.

There are several of those outside backs who are on the cusp of playing wing in round one against the Cowboys so this Broncos team has a lot to play for.