Super Freak
International Captain
Forum Staff
- Jan 25, 2014
- 43,766
- 32,594
HE’S nicknamed the ‘big show’ but now he’s Wayne Bennett’s biggest headache.
Brisbane prop Josh McGuire managed just 13 games last season thanks to a season-ending Achilles tear which not only ruled him out of the State of Origin decider but the club’s grand final appearance against North Queensland.
Ready to return in 2016, the big question is where does McGuire fit and can he win back his starting spot?
McGuire started the year in the front row alongside Sam Thaiday but when the prop went down injured Adam Blair stood up and did so with great affect.
The Broncos are in the fortunate position of being spoiled for choice up front.
Joe Ofahengaue has being coming off the bench along with Jarrod Wallace and they also have Joe Boyce and Francis Molo challenging for their positions.
Former Bulldogs forward Herman Ese’ese has also been training with the club having signed on with their feeder side Souths Logan.
There’s no doubt that McGuire, 25, is a future Test player and will again push for a Queensland Origin recall with the prop looking to make up for lost time this year.
With a player of his size, aggression and consistency, you can rest assured Bennett will find a place in his 17 for the ‘big show’ to shine.
Throughout January Fox Sports will be previewing your team’s best 17 players. As always, there will be some contentious decisions — and some unlucky omissions. Scroll down and leave a comment to have your say. (Note: These line ups don’t take into account current injuries or suspensions).
LOCKS
Darius Boyd, Jack Reed, James Roberts, Jordan Kahu, Anthony Milford, Ben Hunt, Sam Thaiday, Andrew McCullough, Josh McGuire, Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker and Adam Blair.
RISING STAR
Francis Molo
It was a tough year for the 21-year-old forward who played five first grade games for Brisbane last year. The Broncos forward was handed an eight-week suspension by the Queensland Rugby League, after being found guilty of a shoulder charge in his tackle on Sunshine Coast forward James Ackerman, who died two days later. The Cook Islands representative is a star on the rise and destined for some serious game time this year but expect rival clubs to come calling with the cousin of Anthony Milford off-contract at the end of the year.
THE BUBBLE
The halves
All eyes will be on the halfback come round one with the public anxiously awaiting to see how Hunt bounces back from the dropped catch during extra time of last year’s grand final loss.
It’s something the 25-year-old is expecting but having represented Australia in 2014, the former Test half will look to blow out the cobwebs early as he focuses on the new season.
His combination with Anthony Milford will again be a talking point as the duo continue to mature their relationship in the halves. Playing on the right edge, Hunt will link with new recruit James Roberts with their side of the field a daunting prospect for opposition defences to handle.
With closing out games and working on his last play options his focus, Hunt is tipped to follow Cowboys five-eighth Michael Morgan into the Queensland Origin arena in the coming years. This season could very well solidify Hunt as one of the genuine game changers in the competition.
IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR ... James Roberts
It’s time for James Roberts to step up to the plate. Having enjoyed arguably his best season last year, the Broncos have moved heaven and earth to cater for the NSW Origin prospect. Now it’s time for the centre to deliver. Having turfed Dale Copley in order to fit Roberts at the club, the Kempsey product stated he joined the Broncos to take his career to the next level. He has an eye on Origin but nothing will be handed to him. The Broncos fans will be expecting a lot from their new recruit who has some big shoes to fill as the team enter a life without Justin Hodges.
BRONCOS’ BEST 17
1 Darius Boyd
2 Corey Oates
3 Jack Reed
4 James Roberts
5 Jordan Kahu
6 Anthony Milford
7 Ben Hunt
8 Sam Thaiday
9 Andrew McCullough
10 Josh McGuire
11 Alex Glenn
12 Matt Gillett
13 Corey Parker
14 Jarrod Wallace
15 Adam Blair
16 Joe Ofahengaue
17 Kodi Nikorima
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...e/news-story/c709d57471136cdcc6362030516460e2
Brisbane prop Josh McGuire managed just 13 games last season thanks to a season-ending Achilles tear which not only ruled him out of the State of Origin decider but the club’s grand final appearance against North Queensland.
Ready to return in 2016, the big question is where does McGuire fit and can he win back his starting spot?
McGuire started the year in the front row alongside Sam Thaiday but when the prop went down injured Adam Blair stood up and did so with great affect.
The Broncos are in the fortunate position of being spoiled for choice up front.
Joe Ofahengaue has being coming off the bench along with Jarrod Wallace and they also have Joe Boyce and Francis Molo challenging for their positions.
Former Bulldogs forward Herman Ese’ese has also been training with the club having signed on with their feeder side Souths Logan.
There’s no doubt that McGuire, 25, is a future Test player and will again push for a Queensland Origin recall with the prop looking to make up for lost time this year.
With a player of his size, aggression and consistency, you can rest assured Bennett will find a place in his 17 for the ‘big show’ to shine.
Throughout January Fox Sports will be previewing your team’s best 17 players. As always, there will be some contentious decisions — and some unlucky omissions. Scroll down and leave a comment to have your say. (Note: These line ups don’t take into account current injuries or suspensions).
LOCKS
Darius Boyd, Jack Reed, James Roberts, Jordan Kahu, Anthony Milford, Ben Hunt, Sam Thaiday, Andrew McCullough, Josh McGuire, Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker and Adam Blair.
RISING STAR
Francis Molo
It was a tough year for the 21-year-old forward who played five first grade games for Brisbane last year. The Broncos forward was handed an eight-week suspension by the Queensland Rugby League, after being found guilty of a shoulder charge in his tackle on Sunshine Coast forward James Ackerman, who died two days later. The Cook Islands representative is a star on the rise and destined for some serious game time this year but expect rival clubs to come calling with the cousin of Anthony Milford off-contract at the end of the year.
THE BUBBLE
The halves
All eyes will be on the halfback come round one with the public anxiously awaiting to see how Hunt bounces back from the dropped catch during extra time of last year’s grand final loss.
It’s something the 25-year-old is expecting but having represented Australia in 2014, the former Test half will look to blow out the cobwebs early as he focuses on the new season.
His combination with Anthony Milford will again be a talking point as the duo continue to mature their relationship in the halves. Playing on the right edge, Hunt will link with new recruit James Roberts with their side of the field a daunting prospect for opposition defences to handle.
With closing out games and working on his last play options his focus, Hunt is tipped to follow Cowboys five-eighth Michael Morgan into the Queensland Origin arena in the coming years. This season could very well solidify Hunt as one of the genuine game changers in the competition.
IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR ... James Roberts
It’s time for James Roberts to step up to the plate. Having enjoyed arguably his best season last year, the Broncos have moved heaven and earth to cater for the NSW Origin prospect. Now it’s time for the centre to deliver. Having turfed Dale Copley in order to fit Roberts at the club, the Kempsey product stated he joined the Broncos to take his career to the next level. He has an eye on Origin but nothing will be handed to him. The Broncos fans will be expecting a lot from their new recruit who has some big shoes to fill as the team enter a life without Justin Hodges.
BRONCOS’ BEST 17
1 Darius Boyd
2 Corey Oates
3 Jack Reed
4 James Roberts
5 Jordan Kahu
6 Anthony Milford
7 Ben Hunt
8 Sam Thaiday
9 Andrew McCullough
10 Josh McGuire
11 Alex Glenn
12 Matt Gillett
13 Corey Parker
14 Jarrod Wallace
15 Adam Blair
16 Joe Ofahengaue
17 Kodi Nikorima
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...e/news-story/c709d57471136cdcc6362030516460e2
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