There will also be an NRL and Broncos debut for Zac Hosking who has been part of the club’s extended squad since the start of preseason last November, the hardworking 190cm edge forward earning praise from players and coaches alike for his intensity and dedication. The 19-year-old worked hard across his 10-month rehab and has looked strong since making his comeback for Broncos Affiliate Norths Devils in the HostPlus Cup last month, averaging 100 running metres and 20 tackles across his four games as well as crossing for two tries.Įlectric fullback Niu has faced a decent rehab of his own since badly injuring his hamstring in the Round 6 game against the Panthers, returning to the field last weekend for Souths Logan Magpies in the HostPlus Cup and now stepping up to replace Martin at the back. Teenage prop Willison is also back having not played for the Broncos since bursting onto the scene in Round 20 last season in a winning debut against the Cowboys only to suffer a ruptured ACL after just three NRL games. In addition, backrowers TC Robati (broken arm) and Brendan Piakura (head knock) – players who would have been called up for NRL duty this week – both suffered mishaps in HostPlus Cup action on Sunday.īut the Broncos do have some reinforcements returning to action, headlined by emerging hooker Paix who is back after overcoming a knee injury sustained in the Round 14 win over the Raiders at Suncorp Stadium. Strike centre Herbie Farnworth also remains sidelined with a ruptured bicep. Kurt Capewell, Selwyn Cobbo, Pat Carrigan and Tom Flegler are all in the Queensland squad, while injuries have claimed Payne Haas (shoulders), fullback Te Maire Martin (rib6 s), Corey Jensen (calf) and Jake Turpin (illness). Hoeter’s addition in place of Oates represents another change to a Broncos outfit already boasting wholesale changes due to Origin duties and injury for a Sunday’s clash with the Dragons.
The 28-year-old has carried that strong form through HostPlus Cup football for the Broncos Affiliate Wynnum Manly Seagulls, with two tries in 10 games, 19 tackle busts, two try assists and an average 104 running metres per game.
His place will be taken in the Brisbane line-up for Sunday by Hoeter, who put in a strong NRL performance for the Broncos in Round 6 against the Panthers at Penrith, running for 137 metres and making two tackle busts after being a late call-up into the centres, then moving to the wing in the second half due to an injury reshuffle.