McCullough targets shock Broncos return

The Brisbane Broncos' search for a new hooker has taken a fascinating turn with Andrew McCullough targeting a shock comeback on Thursday night.

The Broncos rake was ruled out for four-to-six weeks with an elbow injury suffered in the round six loss to the Melbourne Storm but was back training with Brisbane on Monday morning at dummy half.

With fill-in rake Josh McGuire also out with an ankle injury, the Broncos have a big decision to make for the home clash with Canterbury.

McCullough's chances of being ready will be known tomorrow when Brisbane lists its 21-man squad for the clash. He has missed just two matches thus far.

If he is named, Wednesday's final training session will be the final barrier for him to overcome.

Todd Murphy was also training at dummy half during Monday's session ahead of what could be his NRL debut on Thursday night.

Kodi Nikorima is another option but Broncos forward Alex Glenn said McCullough was still in the frame.

"You never know with Macca," Glenn said.

"He is very eager to get out there. That's' Macca. He doesn't like sitting on the sidelines. It is just great that he is out there throwing the ball around. He looked good for us this morning so he's just got to manage it and see how we go.

"He is a true professional though, and he knows what he has to do off the field to get himself right."

Murphy trained at dummy-half in the pre-season and the 26-year-old appears to be a more realistic chance for Brisbane at this stage.

"Toddy has been with us many years now so we are comfortable with him fitting into the squad if that is the case," Glenn said.

"He knows our plays and structures. It is not like we are throwing him in the deep end and wishing him all the best.

"The fact that he has come in and is training with the squad has given him an opportunity and I am sure he is excited.

"We'll just have to wait and see how Macca goes with his elbow throughout the week. In saying that we have got Kodi there as well who has done the job for us many times."

Sam Thaiday is not likely to be going back to the dummy-half role any time soon and Glenn, who was mentioned in dispatches as a possible candidate, has ruled himself out of the equation.

"Oh... man. Who knows bro'. Who knows," Glenn grinned when asked of his own credentials as a dummy-half.

"It has been a long time since I've gone there, and I've thrown a few hospital passes in my day. If I'm going into hooker we are in a bit of trouble."