On the cusp of a five-year first, Kevin Walters is confident some old-school Brisbane loyalty has returned to assist the NRL club's retention efforts.
A win against Manly on Friday at Suncorp Stadium will give the Broncos their first four-game unbeaten run since winning six-straight games in 2017.
The six-time premiers have fallen badly away since then, collecting a maiden wooden spoon in 2020 and then finishing 14th last season.
But they're back in the top eight after a 5-4 start, with former premiership half Walters confident it's where they belong.
"I've thought that (we're a finals team) from the get go; we just need to keep playing well, consistently, like all the good teams do," he said.
"I didn't know that (it's been five years since their last four-game winning streak), but it doesn't surprise me either.
"It's just about winning tomorrow night and doing the things we've been doing for the last month; working hard from marker, kick chase, pressure, all the little things."
He said flying winger Selywn Cobbo had responded well to his Monday court appearance after he was caught driving an unregistered car while on a suspended licence.
"He's got himself back on track off the field, he's made some good improvements in his life, so it's a step back for him but he's handled it well," Walters said.
"He's owned up to his mistakes and is getting on with his life."
Cobbo's form has seen him enter State of Origin discussions and with his services up for grabs beyond 2023, will ensure rival clubs are circling.
But, like in-form centre Herbie Farnworth, Walters is hopeful the Broncos' resurgence is enough to convince them to shun attractive offers elsewhere.
It would be a welcome change for Brisbane, who as perennial contenders were historically accustomed to having their pick of the crop.
"It certainly is ... life's not all about money. It does help but it's not the only factor," Walters said of their success being crucial to retention.
"The environment they're in and creating themselves is a huge one for us and we feel we're on the right pathway as far as that goes.
"It does get tricky to balance your salary cap ... we're building the club up again and those two are a big part of that."
Kurt Capewell (neck) and Payne Haas (shoulder) both got through Thursday's captains run unscathed.
