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One of Anthony Seibold's first recruitment targets, Jesse Arthars is the surprise contender to play fullback for the Broncos this NRL season
Jesse Arthars is lapping up his reunion with Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold as he launches a plucky bid to beat Jamayne Isaako to the fullback spot this year.
Arthars, 21, spent a year under Seibold at South Sydney and also trained with the Melbourne Storm before cracking the NRL with Gold Coast last season.
But in what was one of the coach's first recruitment moves, Seibold pounced just as the utility back had established himself in the Titans' top squad.
And while Isaak is favoured to usurp captain Darius Boyd at the back this season, Arthars appears firmly in the frame at Red Hill.
Boyd is likely to shift to the outside backs where Corey Oates, Jack Bird, Kotoni Staggs, Xavier Coates are all jostling for spots.
Former Queensland Reds talent Izaia Perese, Herbie Farnworth, Richie Kennar and the returning Jordan Kahu are also competing for positions.
But, boosted by the fact Seibold sought him out, Arthars is hopeful he has a compelling case to build on his 12 NRL games this season.
"I had a year under him (at Souths), really enjoyed my time and thought I learnt a lot, thought I progressed as footy player," Arthars said.
"So it's good to be back working under Seibs.
"I felt like I learnt so much under Seibs ... He gave me the call, had a meeting, and I was really excited to link back up with him."
Arthars prefers fullback but is willing to play anywhere along the backline.
"I bring a lot of speed out the back, talk a lot as well," he said of his strengths.
"It just depends what Seibs wants from his fullback, so that's why we're all going hard for the spot."
A noticeably slimmer Oates was on light duties on Friday, still recovering from a pre-Christmas leg infection that required several days of treatment in hospital.
Jack Bird has been pencilled in for his return from last season's ACL rupture though when Brisbane trial in Rockhampton on February 15.
