Emotions were high at Brisbane headquarters when new prop signing Ben Talty was told he would make his NRL debut against Canterbury.
It has been a long wait for the 26-year-old former North Sydney Bear who comes into the side on the bench away against the Bulldogs on Friday night due to a calf injury to prop Corey Jensen.
Winger Jesse Arthars (rib) has also been ruled out with veteran Delouise Hoeter to come in, likely in the centres, for his first NRL game since August, 2023.
Talty was signed from the Bears on a train-and-trial deal as front-row back up after Martin Taupau left the club and young gun Ben Te Kura suffered a long-term injury.
Prop Fletcher Baker also has a neck complaint that is keeping him on the sidelines.
Coach Michael Maguire was delighted to give Talty his debut after his 91 games in the lower grades for Newcastle, the Bears and Burleigh.
"We've got some good stories we will share with you. Ben Talty has come in here about a month ago and put his head down," Maguire said.
"He is going to be on the bench. I'll tell you what he did do. He reminded me about how special rugby league is. I was able to sit with him yesterday and talk about how he is going to debut.
"The big fella had a few tears and gave me a big squeeze. It gave me a real sense of what it really means to play. He's 26 and has been trying for a long time and it just goes to show how special it is what our game brings."
Hoeter is another feel good story. The 31-year-old ruptured the patella tendon in his right knee in April last year and there were grave fears his career was over, but he's fought back and been in outstanding form for Wynnum Manly after playing for the Broncos in the pre-season trials.
"Del had been out for 12 months so it's another great story," Maguire said.
"I've been able to coach some pretty good humans and someone like Del has put his head down after suffering quite a number of injuries. Opportunities are in front of him."
Maguire said recalled fullback Selwyn Cobbo had been training well and backed him to fire in place of Queensland's 18th man Reece Walsh.
He confirmed veteran Ben Hunt was at least a week away with an injured hamstring.
"It's a real tricky one, he was close but with a hamstring I'm not going to take a risk with a player of his stature," he said.
While the Broncos have a small pack with Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan on Origin duty and Tyson Smoothy and Jaiyden Hunt both on the bench, Maguire said Canterbury also had shone without their big boppers.
"The players that we have are very capable and will do a great job for us. The way we play is what we've spoken about and the boys will stick to it," he said.
Friday night's clash is also the 100th NRL match for hooker Billy Walters with his father and former Broncos coach Kevin Walters making the jersey presentation.
"Kevvie came in and spoke really well and it was nice to see a father and son together which was really special," Maguire said.
