The three NRL debutants being blooded by Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak can breathe a little easier, with Henjak suggesting he will keep the faith in his raw charges even if they fail to impress against North Queensland in Friday night's NRL season opener at Suncorp Stadium.
Henjak named one of the youngest squads in the Broncos' history this week, handing debuts to full-back Corey Norman and forwards Matt Gillett and Mitchell Dodds.
Nine players in Henjak's squad are yet to celebrate their 21st birthday, but the pressure will be greatest for Norman, who at aged 18 will attempt to emulate the feats of star full-back and AFL convert Karmichael Hunt.
To make matters worse for the part-time Australia Post employee, in his first taste of top-flight rugby league he will be attempting to shutdown the influence of Test playmaker and Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston.
It's a fairly unenvious task at the best of times, and Henjak suggested he would not be too harsh a marker on Norman, or Gillett, Dodds and second-gamer Gerard Beale.
"If they're doing their best and doing the things we've asked them to do, then whether we win or lose is not going to determine if they stay there (in the team)," said Henjak.
"What we won't tolerate is if they don't compete and they don't keep trying ... but if they're trying and working really hard on the things I've asked them to do, then we'll stick with them."
Henjak was certain the untried and inexperienced youngsters would not be intimidated by either the nature of the occasion or North Queensland's hefty forward pack.
"They should feel confident enough that they'll be able to handle it, they've done the work and they haven't looked out of place," he said.
"I'm sure they are confident they can handle it, and I know the rest of the players are confident in them too."
"I haven't seen any nerves or anxiety ... it's been just like a trial game for them, in terms of their body language and their demeanour."
"The message for them is to go out and enjoy the experience - you've earned your right to be there - make sure you don't let the moment slip without having a good time."
Henjak pointed to his teenage success stories of last season like Antonio Winterstein while explaining some of the positives that the injection of youth can have on a club.
"Firstly, they bring enthusiasm and exuberance to the team, and secondly they are not afraid to make mistakes," he said.
"That's not always a good thing, but they're definitely prepared to back themselves."