Ordinarily I wouldn't read a lot into the opening trial of the season, but considering who is involved I'm prepared to make an exception.
Not only is this an opportunity for players on both sides to get some match fitness, this could also determine positions in the World Club Championship side and ultimately the Round 1 side.
Last year, it was Greg Eden who made the most of his opportunity, producing a eye-catching performance against the Cowboys at Bundaberg. While he failed to make the most of the opportunity during the season, that one performance put him in the conversation and inspired Bennett to give him a shot.
Who could it be this year?
Will it be the versatile Jamayne Isaako? The former Cronulla Shark endured a mixed season in his first season at Red Hill and will be looking to make up for lost time. In the Broncos one and only televised NYC game, Isaako produced his best performance of the season, walking away with an impressive 22 point haul. If Jamayne can channel his raw talent and work on his technical ability, it will be only a matter of time before he finds himself in first grade.
After a long lay-off, Te Rupe made his long awaited return in the NYC where he helped Brisbane secure one of their most impressive wins of the season, 38-12 against eventual finalists Wests. Wasting little time, Te Rupe was promoted to the Intrust Super Cup in Round 18 against the Seagulls. While it was far from an ideal debut, Te Rupe persevered finishing the season with a positive six tries from six games. With his ability to make strong carries, Te Rupe has a foot in the door and if he can eliminate his habit of making errors he could find himself in the first grade side sooner rather than later.
Once rated as two of the brightest prospects coming through, centres Marion Seve and Tautau Moga enter Saturday's game with a point to prove. Seve turned heads on multiple occasions last season and was brought in as cover on a number of occasions. With a season under his belt, one gets the feeling that if he's going to get a shot, 2017 is the year. Meanwhile his centres partner Moga fought back from another debilitating knee injury that has plagued his career thus far. Although unlikely, if Moga can hit the ground running he could build a strong combination with his former St Peters alumni Anthony Milford on that left edge.
Up-front, it's a shoot-out between Ofahengaue and Ese'ese. Between the two, you have two different styles of prop. Ofahengaue is the tradesmen, he will cart the ball up and his first carry will be as strong as his last. Ese'ese on the other hand is a wild card in the Sam Kasiano mould. He never dies wondering and has the capacity to be a one man gang.
With McGuire being rested for the WCC, Saturday's game shapes as one of the most important in Arrow's career. The former Gold Coast product is one of the best workhorses emerging and given the limited interchanges, his progress as a player will be important for the Broncos moving forward.
Then you've got players who could feature down the line. George Fai has matured into a damaging bench player with his combination of strength and mobility. Meanwhile Corey Allan is one of the most exciting talents coming through the ranks and has the opportunity to impress the coach and potentially net himself an opportunity during the Origin season.
