Clips of Tallis inspiring Mago for Broncos

Patrick Mago is the cameo king of the Brisbane Broncos right now and has been watching videos of club legend Gorden Tallis in his pomp to rev him up to make as much impact as he can off the bench.

The 23-year-old 113kg prop has played 10 games this season and won seven of them since making his Brisbane debut in round 11 against the Roosters.

Mago's big defensive hits are a feature of his play and while he mostly plays 20 or 30 minutes he is making them count on the back of watching old clips of one of the most aggressive defenders of the modern era.

"I loved watching Gorden Tallis. He was one of the most aggressive defenders and I try and take a bit out of his game," Mago said.

"I'd watch him in Origin and I was a Broncos supporter growing up as well. Even now I go and watch some YouTube clips of Gordie and other players like Sonny Bill [Williams] as well… all those big hitters.

"I try and come and come on and give some impact for the boys. Our senior players are stepping up at the start and I try to give that same energy."

Wrangling with giant Manly forward Marty Taupau is next on Mago's to-do list, but nailing the Kiwi international will be easier said than done.

"He is a big boy and I am trying to figure out how I am going to get him," Mago grinned.

Mago played his junior footy for Logan Brothers and Souths-Logan CEO Jim McClelland told NRL.com before his Brisbane debut that he had the potential to be a Jason Taumalolo-style of player with his strength, footwork and speed.

Mago admitted he still had a lot of work to do on his defensive technique but he has been picking the brain of the Broncos leading players and emulating their style of play.

The former Cowboy played with Tevita Pangai jnr when they were in the Canberra system and has also been inspired by watching the Tongan international go from strength to strength this year.

"He has been a big one for me. I played with him in the under 20s and he's been killing it," Mago said.

"It makes me want to strive for that as well and get to where he is. A lot of the senior players are stepping up and teaching me what they know. As a rookie I am really trying to learn off them and give them the impact we need.

"Sam Thaiday has been tipping me up, Korbin Sims and Joe Ofahengaue as well."

Before Mago's Broncos debut McClelland said the door was ajar for the New Zealand-born forward to make his mark as a regular  top 17 member and urged him to "bash it down".

Mago, as a lifelong Broncos fan, has heeded the call.

"Keeping my spot in this team is all I've ever wanted to do," Mago said.

"I am going to be working on all the little things, whether that be in defence or attack, so I can take this opportunity with both hands."