Brisbane enforcer Tom Flegler has focused on altering his tackling technique in a bid to stay out of trouble during the 2022 NRL season.
Flegler, who was twice suspended for high tackles last year, will miss the first three rounds of the new campaign as he completes a month-long ban for a shot on Cronulla's Jack Williams.
The 22-year-old is determined not to cost himself more game time after coach Kevin Walters warned he needed to harness his aggression.
"You can't really play too well sitting on the sideline," Flegler said.
"I've been working with a few of our defence coaches; I just need to tackle a bit lower and especially with the new rules (causing an increase in game speed), they've been a lot harder.
"We've just got to adjust to the new rules because the way things have been handled, they're not going to change ... I need to be better in that area."
By his own admission, Flegler had a slow start last season but lifted his game to a new level after making his State of Origin debut in Queensland's game three victory over NSW.
"I'd love to play Origin again this year," he said.
"But I think to start off, my priority is to get back to playing consistent NRL footy and try not to get suspended... The rest will come with it."
While the Broncos have won just 10 matches across the past two campaigns, Flegler senses success is on the horizon -- with the squad boosted by the acquisitions of seasoned campaigners Kurt Capewell and Adam Reynolds.
"We've got a few new players in Capes and Reyno, and they're a great addition to our squad, but I think we've got to realise they're not going to win us all the games," he said.
"We've got to step up to their level as well. We've been training well and everyone's a year older, more experienced.
"We've had our bad years but things are looking very positive."
