Brisbane coach Michael Maguire is preparing to venture into unchartered territory as a mentor ahead of blooding development list hooker Cameron Bukowski amid an injury crisis.
The Broncos play red-hot Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Saturday night with 10 players from the top-30 squad unavailable and Maguire wants his side to own their own slice of history.
Maguire said 20-year-old Bukowski, the last of the recognised hookers on Brisbane's list, would come off the bench and playmaker Josh Rogers would start at No.9.
Asked if he had ever seen an injury toll like it, Maguire was emphatic and also optimistic.
"I've definitely never experienced that but Cam has been with us for the whole time I have been here and has grown up across the road in the academy," Maguire said.
"He has turned into a man and he has been tackling big Patty Carrigan and Payne Haas for the last few years. He will be ready to go.
"In the time I have been here we have unearthed quite a number of players ... Josiah Karapani and Gem (Gehamat Shibasaki) last year and now it is Cam's opportunity this week.
"It is exciting. They have all worked hard together and Cam has done plenty of reps in the middle of the park. Rogers will get in there and use his shoulders."
Bukowski has been working with elite hookers Cory Paix, Ben Hunt and Billy Walters to fine tune his play.
"That's why I believe he is ready to go," Maguire said.
The Broncos have not lost to the joint venture in nine outings in Campbelltown and have won against the odds before. Most famously was the 28-14 victory in 2002 when missing 13 players.
"It is nice to reflect back on our history but we have got to make our own," Maguire said.
"There were areas of our game last week that we need to be better at. That is more important."
Brisbane will need a brave display to win and this week the selflessness of second-rower Jordan Riki epitomised that quality.
Riki has battled through training in agony with plantar fasciitis but will play regardless.
"You have to go through those things for your teammates as most players do at some stage. It is Jordy's turn to do that," Maguire said.
"Jordan Riki has really grown. I think he has been excellent. I have known him for a long time and watching him develop to where he is now he has become a leader."
The 26-year-old is enjoying a super season and showcasing the form that he displayed in the run to the 2025 title and in 2023.
Canberra Times
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