Brisbane young gun hooker Cameron Bukowski will make his NRL debut against Wests Tigers after a neurosurgeon ruled out regular starting rake Cory Paix.
Paix was unable to convince an independent specialist on Wednesday that his category one concussion from Friday night's 35-31 loss to North Queensland was an incorrect call.
That opens the door on Saturday night in Campbelltown for 20-year-old Bukowski, who has been a shining light in the Hostplus Cup for Wynnum Manly.
The former Queensland U19s rake, on a Broncos development contract, will now take his place in the squad to play the rampant Tigers.
The Broncos have 10 players unavailable for the clash, a very similar circumstance to 2002 when 13 members of the top squad were unavailable for the trip to western Sydney.
Shane Walker played hooker and captained the "Baby Broncos" that night in a famous 28-14 win over the Tigers. On the bench was replacement rake Nathan Friend, on his NRL debut. Friend went on to play 242 NRL games in a stellar career.
Walker has a high opinion of Bukowski and said the example of Friend can inspire.
"Like anything in life, all anyone needs is an opportunity," Walker told AAP.
"Nathan took it with both hands and had a wonderful career and I am sure Cameron will too.
"My message to Cameron is that this is a great opportunity to get his career started and to go out enjoy every minute of it.
"He has been doing a great job in the Hostplus Cup and if anything his role will become even simpler on his NRL debut.
"He will have 16 other guys who are very clear in what their role is so he will only have to go out and play his part."
Friend, who played 60 minutes of the 2002 match, mostly in the second row, is also a fan of Bukowski's.
His son Axel is in the Broncos academy and has trained alongside him.
"I am stoked for Cam," Friend told AAP after news of his debut filtered through.
"He probably wasn't thinking he would get on the paddock in the NRL this year but I am sure he will do himself proud.
"I have watched Cam closely and he has all the attributes of a great nine. He can read the game, tackles well and he has got all the skills.
"I can't speak highly enough of how humble he is as well. Cam just needs an opportunity and he is going to get it. Good luck to him."
Walker said Bukowski's playing style would suit the modern game.
"Cameron is busy and understands the ruck speed," Walker said.
"So he identifies well what he needs to do in and around the ruck. He will do a great job."
Canberra Times
