It’s shaping up to be a big weekend in Brisbane football, with both the NRL Broncos and AFL Lions preparing for home games.

The Lions’ preparation has been stress free, but the Broncos have faced retirements and sackings in their lead-up to the game against current premiers, Manly Sea Eagles.

Tess Lawrence reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Training continued as normal this morning for the Broncos, who found out yesterday that Petero Civoniceva will be retiring at the end of the season.

Fellow team mates voiced how much he will be missed, but made it clear that they support his decision.

Corey Norman, Broncos Five-Eighth: “It’s going to be sad for Petero to leave the game, but for us to help him there we just have to turn up every week and do our bit for him.”

However, in another blow for the club it’s agreed to release one of their future stars.

The Broncos have released Dane Gagai from his contract with the club, after multiple disciplinary breaches.

It was not a decision that was taken lightly, as Gagai was an exciting young prospect.

Anthony Griffin, Broncos Coach: “If it was only about talent we wouldn’t be making the decision we’re making now, he’s a very talented player but he hasn’t fitted into the standards we need him to fit in to.”

The Broncos hope the decision sends a firm message to the other young players in the club.

Anthony Griffin, Broncos Coach: “I suppose I hope the message is that we’re a club, you know, we do have standards and everyone needs to uphold them.”

Over at the Gabba, the Lions have continued their preparations for the game against long time rivals Collingwood on Saturday with exciting news that Ash McGrath might still be fit to play, after being cleared of any serious groin injuries.

Tess Lawrence, QUT News.