Nathan Friend's long and distinguished NRL career started with an unexpected and famous Brisbane win over Wests Tigers and he's backing young gun Cameron Bukowski to follow suit.
The Broncos were without 13 regulars due to State of Origin and injury in 2022 but had a 28-14 win over the Tigers at Campbelltown with six players making their NRL debuts.
On Saturday night, the Broncos face a similar challenge at the same venue with at least nine players unavailable, mostly due to injury.
Bukowski, 20, is a development list player and yet to feature in the NRL but has been named at No.20 on an extended bench.
Coach Michael Maguire has until 24 hours before kick-off to add him to the 19. Much will depend on whether Cory Paix, listed at No.21, has a category-one concussion overturned by an independent neurosurgeon.
The 2002 win, with Brisbane assistant coach Craig Bellamy in charge, gave birth to the "Baby Broncos". Ever since Brisbane sides have prided themselves on winning without their big guns.
For Friend it was his one and only Broncos match, but he finished a great career with 242 NRL games, also lining up with Gold Coast, Melbourne and the Warriors.
"Sometimes you just need a break," Friend told AAP.
"We all have dreams and ambitions and when a chance comes along you just need to take it.
"I was 80 kilos and Craig Bellamy put me on at back-row because our captain Shane Walker basically played the whole game at hooker until he started cramping up. Then I played No.9 for a few minutes. I played 60 minutes and it felt like six. It just went so quick.
"It was my only game for the Broncos but a great opportunity to show my wares, as it was for the whole team. A lot of careers took off that night."
Friend said Bukowski's career, which he's had a keen interest in, would soon kick off.
"My young fella Axel plays Mal Meninga Cup with Wynnum and is in the Broncos emerging squad. He has trained with Cam," Friend said.
"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, like I did in 2002. When he does get it I am sure he will do himself proud."
Shane Walker said Bellamy did a great job in 2002 preparing a team of no-names and future stars such as Corey Parker, Scott Prince, Friend and Casey McGuire.
"We were big underdogs but despite having six debutants and a lot of guys out, we were all very clear about how we were going to get the job done," Walker told AAP
Friend said "just because you have never heard of the individuals out there doesn't mean they are not up to the grade".
"Anyone is good enough on their day. Who knows. Madge (Maguire) might be able to get the boys up," he said.
Canberra Times
