Cup to NRL graduate: Lachlan Hubner

Hostplus Cup stalwart Lachlan Hubner will tonight make his NRL debut on one of the most exciting stages possible, when he runs out for the Dolphins in the highly-anticipated Battle of Brisbane.

In a late change on Thursday, it was announced the Central Queensland Capras workhorse was coming into the Dolphins 17 following the late withdrawal of prop Thomas Flegler.

For Rockhampton product Hubner, this deserved debut has been a long time coming.

A one-club man, the 24-year-old has come through the Queensland Rugby League pathways in his hometown and been playing in the Hostplus Cup since 2021.

With 58 Cup games under his belt, he is one of the most consistent players and in the early stages of this year, has become a clear leader for the Capras pack following the loss of players like Bailey Butler (Burleigh), Tyler Szepanowski (Burleigh) and JJ Collins (year off).

Now, after two years of doing NRL pre-seasons with the Dolphins, his time has come.

Capras coach Lionel Harbin said it was a moment the club always thought would happen at some point.

“We’d always thought he’d go to that next level,” Harbin said.

“He has a great work ethic. He trains well and looks after his body well. He was always a chance of playing and he just needed that opportunity.

“We found out early in the week that the Dolphins would name him in the extended squad. But it wasn’t until late (Wednesday) that they said they were going to fly him down and do captain’s run and he was a big chance of playing for Flegler.

“You know what you’re going to get with him, every training session, every game. He’s one of those players that you just know.

“He’s just a competitor.”

The Dolphins will play at Suncorp Stadium tonight against the Brisbane Broncos in front of what is expected to be a sell-out crowd.

Hubner is expected to come off the bench.

The Capras – who play their Round 5 match on Saturday against Norths Devils at Bishop Park – will have their own captain’s run in Rockhampton right before tonight’s 8pm NRL kick off and Harbin is hoping afterwards they can watch Hubner’s debut as a team.

“We’re super proud,” he said.

“Obviously with the partnership with the Dolphins, you always think about that opportunity to go play at that level.

“When it happens, the players can see there is a genuine pathway. We’re just really, super proud and not just of the player he is becoming, but the person he is becoming.

“I noticed a big difference when he came back from the last train and trial, the confidence he brought back with him.

“He took on that role of being a leader within our group, helping the younger guys, helping the squad. It’s great to see him grow as a person.

“My advice to him for (tonight) would just be to play your natural game. Just be prepared to go out there and compete. Just play his natural game and know we’re all proud of him.”