1999 was the year Ben Ikin would like to forget, or even better, never to have happened. Homesick and struggling for form, watching Ikin was an almost painful task for North Sydney. His pleas to be released to return home to the Gold Coast were refused, and his motivation to play was non-existent.
When Norths were finally wound down, Ikin was free and Broncos coach Wayne Bennett threw him a lifeline that could save his career.
An exciting, talented ballplayer who can play almost anywhere in the backline, Ikin brings a new dimension in attack to the Broncos. With Langer and Renouf gone, Ikin will be able to sure up both the explosive speed in the centres and the cunning creativity in the halves.
Ikin had another disrupted year in 2000, this time through injury. After a solid opening to the season, in a backline failing to make an impression, Ikin broke his leg in the opening State of Origin match in Sydney. He returned for the third rubber but broke his jaw.
He eventually returned late in the season and after a slow start fired through the finals, playing inspirational football in the first half of the Grand Final, setting up victory. A heavy knock early in the second half virtually ended his contribution, but nevertheless he achieved his goal of a premiership ring.
Offseason shoulder surgery has him in doubt for the start of the 2001 season, but with luck he will be available or miss a minimum of football. He can ill afford to let his halves rivals Shaun Berrigan, Scott Prince and Stuart Kelly establish themselves.
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