Turpin and McCullough both get nod for round one

Anthony Seibold has confirmed both Jake Turpin and Andrew McCullough will play against the Cowboys in round one which intriguingly adds to the importance of Saturday's trial against the Titans for several outside backs.

Apart from when he used James Segeyaro as a bench utility last year, the Brisbane coach has mostly favoured using one player on his bench who can cover a variety of backline positions due to HIA protocols.

Last year Seibold played Gehamat Shibasaki on the bench and when he was at South Sydney he had Adam Doueihi or Hymel Hunt on his interchange as cover.

With McCullough now likely to be wearing No.14 against the Cowboys it means Jamayne Isaako is in danger of missing out altogether in Townsville unless he can unseat young winger Xavier Coates who has been named to start against the Titans.

"We are playing in the humidity of Townsville in round one and there are potentially a couple of experienced players who won't play so we need someone like Macca in the group," Seibold said.

"This weekend Jake will start at nine and Macca will come from the bench and that is how I see it playing out for round one as well. We'll give those guys an opportunity this week and see how they go in their respective roles."

Turpin also has the versatility to play in the halves which does give Seibold some extra backline cover.

Seibold was asked whether he would carry another utility to cover the backs.

"At times over the previous two years I have carried a utility player [on the bench] but I want to have a good think about that and see who is available," he replied.

If everyone is fit and healthy, at this stage the round-one backline appears to be Jack Bird at fullback, Darius Boyd and Kotoni Staggs in the centres, Corey Oates at left wing and Anthony Milford and Brodie Croft in the halves.

That leaves Coates and Isaako in a shootout for the right wing position.

Isaako has been named to come off the bench against the Titans on Saturday night and the Kiwi international is by far the most experienced of the duo.

Seibold often refers to "deposits in the bank" to explain why he sticks with players who have proven themselves over a lengthy period of time.

Only the coach knows how many "deposits" Isaako has banked in his account but the message from Seibold is clear about the fact that performances in the trials does count for plenty.

"There is a good opportunity for guys to make a claim for a spot in our 17 for round one still," he said.

"I am looking forward to guys going out with a lot of energy and transferring what they have done on the training paddock into game day.

"The Titans have named a strong side so it will be a good battle out there at Redcliffe. We expect a good crowd and it will be a good trial game."