Former Cowboys halfback Tom Duffy will make his Broncos debut in his appearance of the year, deputising for injured skipper Adam Reynolds in the Round 6 derby against North Queensland.
Reynolds suffered a groin injury in last week’s match against the Titans – but had hoped to be fit to play and was named by the club to line up alongside Ezra Mam on ‘Team List Tuesday’.
However, while he was able to run, kicking proved an issue, handing the Townsville Centrals Rugby League club junior his chance to impress against his former club.
“Tommy will get his opportunity,” coach Michael Maguire said at the captains run media conference.
“Reyno kicked the ball and felt it probably wasn't right.
“He did all the running. He was okay with that, but he just felt the kicking part was something that wasn't where it needed to be. So we're fortunate to have Tommy ready to go.
“I'm really looking forward to seeing him get his opportunity.
“He’s fitted in really well. He came in on day one, ripped into the pre-season and he's earning everything he's doing.
“He's been able to sort of get himself around Reyno and Hunty [Ben Hunt] and those guys with experience and draw from that.
“We're all excited for Tommy because he deserves it.”
With not only Reynolds, but also utility Hunt and fullback Reece Walsh, sidelined with injury, the Broncos have had to shuffle the backs and the spine, calling in more reinforcements for the derby clash.
Last week, Jesse Arthars made his first NRL appearance since Round 27 last year and stepped in at fullback after Walsh suffered a fracture cheekbone just before the halftime break and has been named to retain the role.
Like Duffy, Arthars started the season playing in the Hostplus Cup with Souths Logan Magpies, as has hooker Blake Mozer, who has been named in 14 in place of Hunt.
“He’s just selfless and a great man, Jess, he just fits in wherever,” Maguire said.
“He’ll go out and work his backside off for his team-mates.
“I'm very confident using Moze, he's been very patient, but you've got to remember his career over the last two years has been hampered with a fair bit of injury along the way.
“So sometimes you can't get ahead as you like, but he's been patient and he's built his body up, so he's in really good shape at the moment.
“Looking forward to getting him out there when the time's right as well.”
As for playing their third Queensland derby in as many weeks, Maguire said the match against the Cowboys remained a special rivalry and a chance to continue improving their game.
“I've watched them for years, they're always great games,” Maguire said.
“We're pretty determined to keep building on what we're doing.
“We’re not happy with everything we're doing. We're chasing different parts of what we need to be better at.”
NRL.com
