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Cronk lessons inspire Broncos recruit O'Sullivan

New Broncos recruit Sean O'Sullivan was so inspired by Cooper Cronk during their time together at the Sydney Roosters that he was prepared to run in front of a train for him.

The 20-year-old halfback soaked up as much information as he could in Sydney - a trait he plans on continuing in Brisbane.  

While he no longer has Luke Keary and Cooper Cronk in front of him on the pecking order, O'Sullivan now faces the task of trying to win a starting spot ahead of either Anthony Milford or Kodi Nikorima.

He insists he is in no rush, instead looking forward to picking the brains of the Brisbane halves.

"It was unbelievable learning from [Cronk], not so much talking but watching him train every single day, how he communicates with players and staff and how he gets his point of view across," O'Sullivan said after Brisbane training on Monday.

Broncos' top five tries of 2018

"I'd watch him in team videos and how he talks to the other 16 boys that he plays with, and you'd honestly run out in front of a train for him.

"I had Pearcey [Mitchell Pearce] the year before. He was different but really good too. Hopefully, I'll learn a lot from Milf and Kodi too. [Milford] is an unbelievable runner. Some of the stuff he does is freaky and I love watching him play."

The move to the Broncos on a two-year deal appealed to O'Sullivan on two fronts.

Wayne [Bennett] said he is not scared to give young guys a crack

Sean O'Sullivan on life at the Broncos

"It was one, about opportunity, and secondly about development and seeing where I could take my game," O'Sullivan said.

"Being 20 I obviously want to play a lot of first grade but I am in no rush. I want to get my body sorted, learn as much as I can from the coaching staff and who knows what can happen.

"I just want to train hard and do what I can to get myself ready to play … one first grade [match] or 20. I've got a lot of things to improve on."

O'Sullivan joins a club where coach Wayne Bennett gave five players  - David Fifita, Payne Haas, Kotoni Staggs and Jake Turpin their NRL debuts in 2018 and where another three – Jamayne Isaako, George Fai and Patrick Mago – were given opportunities after playing less than a handful of NRL games previously between them.

"Wayne said he is not scared to give young guys a crack so it is good to know your coach backs young players," O'Sullivan said.

"I've met Wayne a couple of times last year and had a chat to him last week. He's the most successful coach in rugby league ever so I just want to pick his brain."

The new Bronco did some training on his own at Griffith University in his break to strengthen his hamstrings and improve his fitness base.

O'Sullivan's brother-in-law is Matt Lodge and the duo also trained together in the off-season doing weights, passing drills and just "hanging out".

O'Sullivan said it was heartening to have a familiar face on board to assist his move while adding the Broncos had welcomed him with "open arms".

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New South Wales Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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