The Broncos were visibly shattered after being knocked out in last year's semi-finals, ending a run of three-straight premierships since the start of the league.

Since then they have lost Upton and powerhouse prop Boyle, both to Newcastle, and Queensland State of Origin dummy-half Lauren Brown to Gold Coast.

Brisbane have added 10 new faces to their squad but ahead of Sunday night's opening-round meeting with the Knights insist nothing has changed at their end.

"I've heard that a lot (that we've lost a lot of people), but I think it's the most we've ever kept," prop Chelsea Lenarduzzi said.

"We've lost great players before too and managed to win.

"When we sign people to the Broncos we just want people who want to be there ... as long as they've got that pride in the jersey, that's all we want."

Brisbane players say retribution for last season had not been spoken about and this pre-season had felt no different despite not entering as defending premiers.

"It sucked (not playing in the grand final), I'm not going to lie," Lenarduzzi said.

"It was the first one I wasn't in. It was a really empty feeling. It was like an out-of-body experience watching it.

"But it doesn't really change anything (for this season).

"We don't really make it a secret that we want to win every season, we're not there to make up the numbers, we're there to win.

"So whether we lost or won the year before, I guess doesn't really affect it."

Brisbane coach Kelvin Wright was also adamant there would be no extra fire in the clash with the Knights, despite the loss of the two key players there.

"You might see it in the first couple of minutes but once you're playing you don't have time, you're too fatigued to worry about individuals like that," he said.

Australian Associated Press