Broncos coach Anthony Seibold has sent a firm message to his troops for the 2020 season with a gruelling first training session of the year in 30 degree heat.

Seibold’s men returned in the sweltering conditions to be served a two hour slog that left some out on their feet. But hooker Jake Turpin said the session came as no surprise.

“Welcome to 2020,” he said.

“We got given a program in the two weeks we had off and that’s what training is all about, that’s the mentality we have at this club and we knew what we were in for.”

This pre-season marks Seibold’s first full one with the club after he swapped with mastercoach Wayne Bennett to take up the coaching role with Brisbane in December, 2018.

The Broncos lost five of their six opening games under Seibold’s watch but snuck into the semi finals before bowing out with a dreadful 58-0 loss to Parramatta.

The new year represents a clean slate for Seibold — he’s had complete control of the pre-season this time round — so it’s no surprise that he’s on a mission to whip his squad into shape.

While Turpin said the players knew what was coming, newcomer Brodie Croft could have been forgiven for lagging behind. But that’s been far from the case for the former Melbourne Storm halfback.

Turpin praised Croft’s attitude towards training and initiative to step up.

“I’m really enjoying having one of my good mates here and he’s loving it too. You can tell by training, he’s come in and he’s a leader already.”

“He’s been in a really good system for a long time now and knowing what that system’s like to bring that competitive attitude is exactly what this club needs and it’s just going to make for a better 2020.”