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AAP
Joel Gould

Walsh ruled out as Broncos recall NRL's tallest prop

Jesse Arthars (left) will play No.1 against Manly after Reece Walsh (second left) was ruled out. (James Gourley/AAP PHOTOS)

Reece Walsh has been put on ice for another week, with Jesse Arthars to play fullback for Brisbane away against Manly.

Walsh, the regular Broncos No.1 when fit, trained on Monday, but Brisbane have taken a cautious approach to his return from a posterior cruciate ligament injury suffered against the Warriors in the 20-18 loss in round seven.

Coach Michael Maguire has elevated giant 205cm prop Ben Te Kura to the bench for his first NRL match of the season on Saturday at Brookvale Oval.

Prop Fletcher Baker, who has failed to fire since joining the Broncos, was axed for his poor display in the round 11 loss to St George Illawarra.

The 21-year-old Te Kura has been sensational for Souths-Logan in the Queensland Cup, with his defensive efforts most impressive.

Brisbane prop Ben Te Kura
Brisbane prop Ben Te Kura has been named to come off the bench against Manly. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)

Incredibly Te Kura has a defensive efficiency rate of 98.2 per cent and has missed just three tackles in nine games.

He played three NRL games off the bench last year, including two against Melbourne. The big popper impressed with a try that showcased his fire and brimstone. 

Arthars has not started as fullback in the NRL, but was man of the match for the Maori All Stars in their win over the Indigenous All Stars this year when he was the No.1. 

The 26-year-old has started at fullback in six matches in the Queensland Cup for Norths and Wynnum-Manly.

Selwyn Cobbo, who had previously played fullback in Walsh's absence, has been named on the wing.

Cobbo suffered a wrist injury in the loss to the Dragons, when he was below his best.

State of Origin representatives Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan have been named to start, but a decision on their availability will be made later in the week.

The Broncos have lost five of their past six games and will fall outside the top eight with a loss.

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