The Brisbane Broncos have named a strong side to lineup for their opening trial game against Wynnum Manly Seagulls on Friday night at Kitchener Park.
Big men Tevita Pangai Junior and Matt Lodge are set to return after having limited game time in 2020. With the first trial limited under NRL guidelines to players with 12 games or less last season, it is a great opportunity for both props to get valuable game time.
They will be joined by a host of other Broncos with NRL experience including Richie Kennar, Jesse Arthars, Tesi Niu, Tyson Gamble, Ethan Bullemor and Keenan Palasia.
A number of train-and-trial players who have been part of the Broncos’ pre-season will also play, including former Cronulla and Gold Coast half Albert Kelly, who has impressed since his return to training in recent weeks, as well as former Warriors and Titans forward Leivaha Pulu.
Coach Kevin Walters has rated this year’s trials as crucial to finalising his team for Round 1 against Parramatta on March 12 at Suncorp Stadium.
“Trials in recent years haven’t been so important but I feel this year with the limited trials that players have limited opportunity to be right for Round 1 when we take on Parramatta,” Walters said.
“Because of the season that the Broncos had last year, everyone is fighting for positions – plenty of competition in the group which is what we want.”
Tickets are selling fast for Friday night’s game and can be purchased here.
Brisbane Broncos
1. Reece Walsh
2. Richie Kennar
3. Jesse Arthars
4. Tesi Niu
5. Dale Copley
6. Tyson Gamble
7. Albert Kelly
8. Tevita Pangai Jnr
9. Kobe Hetherington
10. Matt Lodge
11. Keenan Palasia
12. Leivaha Pulu
13. Ethan Bullemor
14. Calum Gahan
15. Logan Bayliss-Brow
16. Isaiah Taas
17. Josh James
18. Brendan Frei
19. Xavier Willison
20. Selwyn Cobbo
