Cameron Bukowski will make his NRL debut in tough outing against Wests Tigers, brought into the Broncos squad with the club tackling an unprecedented injury toll in their hooking ranks.
The highly rated youngster – who is currently on a development deal with the club and has been playing Hostplus Cup with Wynnum Manly Seagulls – was named in the extended squad on Tuesday, with coach Michael Maguire confirming after captain’s run he would debut.
With Cory Paix ruled out with a head knock, Blake Mozer out with a broken jaw, Ben Hunt sidelined with a knee injury and Billy Walters still to return from tearing his ACL, the former Queensland Under 19 hooker has been handed his chance on the big stage.
“It's a great opportunity for a couple of our players – in the time I have been here, we have unearthed quite a number of players ... Josiah [Karapani] and Gem [Gehamat Shibasaki] last year and now it is Cam's opportunity this week,” Maguire said.
“It is exciting. They have all worked hard together and he has done plenty of reps in the middle of the park. [Josh] Rogers will get in there and use his shoulders (to start the match).
“You might say it is a rapid (rise) but he has been working hard with everyone.
“We are just fortunate we have capable nines around with Hunt and Paixy and Billy.
“It gives Cam the ability to learn from some of the best in the game so that's why I believe he is ready to go.”
With a growing casualty ward, that saw forward Aublix Tawha join the ranks of the walking wounded after a facial fracture, the Broncos have also lost representative forward Pat Carrigan for two matches after being suspended for a Careless High Tackle.
Travelling to Campbelltown to take on the second-placed Wests Tigers side who are high on confidence, the Broncos have their work cut out for them to topple Maguire’s former team.
In good news however, captain Adam Reynolds has been named to return from an adductor injury, starting as halfback. Wests Tigers also have their co-captain Jarome Luai returning in the halves for the match.
Now only seven games into his NRL career, Tom Duffy, made his club debut last week in place of the injured Reynolds and backed Bukowski to perform if given the opportunity.
“We were in here together on November 1st (doing pre-season); we went to some pretty dark places together, but, just like every other player in this team, he puts in the work, he's fit,” Duffy - who has reverted to the six-player bench – said of his young team-mate.
“He's strong and he hones in on his craft and works really hard at it …
“Most clubs have that next man up mentality, and we're no different here.
“Whoever gets their opportunity, they're raring to go, and they're not just getting it because they rock up here, they're getting it because they put the work in over pre-season.
“They do the reps every week of training, they're at that level to play, so whoever steps into that role, they're ready.
“And that's what Madge preaches.
“So if you're playing in the NRL, you're there for a reason and you've earned your spot.”
Match: Wests Tigers v Broncos
Round 7 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
2nd Position
away Team
Broncos
11th Position
Venue: Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
