In an age of NRL where most players, regardless of quality are more like clones and highly tuned athletes produced through years of hi-tech moulding - it's refreshing to see the likes of Dave Taylor from the Brisbane Broncos burst onto the scene and remind of us of bygone eras; where the likes of Gene Myles, Greg Dowling and Martin Bella roamed.
There is no questioning the ability of new NRL sensational Dave Taylor, but the likeable 'old school' prop is holding so much hope for the ailing Brisbane Broncos. With coach Wayne Bennett almost set to move into his retirement home and a player roster that has been eroded by their premiership win in 2006, the likes of Taylor are oh so important to the proud club. At 115kg's the towering, bulky prop could carry most things on his young shoulders - chances are he'll need to do all this and more in 2008 NRL.
The Brisbane Broncos always seem to have a tonne of superstars ready to call on, but as age hits their recruits and the calling of Rugby Union which snared the likes of Wendell Sailor, Lote Tiquiri and more recently Berrick Barnes - the Broncos have at times struggled to keep things fresh and machine-like.
It's easy to forget they won the comp in 2006, after having such an average regular season the wounded Broncos went red hot in the NRL semi-finals and were able to beat Melbourne at the experience game on the day it counted.
With many stars leaving in recent years, Shane Webcke, Brent Tate and Shaun Berrigan to name a few there are plenty of holes to plug. Word has it that the other Berrigan brother Barry is on the scene and will make a re-appearance in 2008 - a much needed boost for the young brigade. The thought of a fit Darren Lockyer is a good one, but will one of the games best players be able to carry the Broncos on his back? A back that is getting more and more brittle and prone to injury as his workload and targetting from opposition take their toll.
While 2008 might seem a tall ask for the well followed Queensland club, the Broncos have been in this position before and with their local recruiting grounds being so large compared to other NRL clubs - maybe they can deal with poaching better than others.
It certainly is hard to argue with a club that has won the NRL title 6 times in 20 years in their short but impressive Rugby League life-span. Oh how a club like Cronulla would kill for stats like that.
They face a tall order, but don't write them off. If they can produce a few more Dave Taylors, there is no telling what they could achieve in 2008, it would simply be unfair to all opposing teams because 115kg giants with silky hands and good go forward speed are rare as hen's teeth, just ask those folks that play the Rugby Union game.
