Henjak gives Broncos youngsters a go - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Henjak gives Broncos youngsters a go

By Wayne Heming 10/02/2009 06:26:20 PM Comments (0)

Brisbane will keep their million-dollar backline on ice with coach Ivan Henjak giving several exciting youngsters a run in Saturday night's pre-season trial against the Titans at Wynnum.

The Titans have adopted a similar approach, naming recruits Sam Tagataese and Matt White in a 26-man squad.

Brisbane's backline includes four members of their Under-20 side which lost last year's grand final.

Promising young hooker Andrew McCullough has won the early battle for the No.9 jumper with former St George rake Aaron Gorrell selected on the bench.

Ex-Dragon Lagi Setu and former Tiger Ben Teo will start in a strong forward pack with exciting prospect Dave Taylor and Joel Clinton named as props.

Ashton Sims, who did a great job leading Fiji in the World Cup, has been named captain.

Henjak has settled on 18-year-old utility Gerard Beale at fullback with Under-20s captain Alex Glenn in the centres.

Flying machine Jharal Yow Yeh has won a wing spot with the club's Under-20 player-of-the-year Ben Hunt at halfback.

Completing Brisbane's backline are Logan junior Antonio Winterstein and Guy Williams from the central Queensland Comets along with Wynnum Manly product David Gergiou who'll play five-eighth.

Henjak said on Tuesday he was keen to run his eye over his group of young forwards.

"The hooking positions is still up for grabs and we've got three players vying for that (spot) so that's one we want to have a very close look at," he said.

"We also want to have a close look at a couple of the forward positions, those hit-up forwards.

"We'll give them all an opportunity in the trials and whoever is playing the best will get first crack."

With the exception of skipper Darren Lockyer and injured centre Justin Hodges, Brisbane's stars will play in the trials against Canberra and Melbourne.

Prized signing Israel Folau will make his debut in a trial against Canberra at Redcliffe later this month.

Lockyer, who is recovering from a minor knee operation, is unlikely to be risked until the first game of the season.

"Darren won't step out in the trials unless he feels he needs a hit-out before we play the Cowboys in round one," said Henjak.

"At this stage we're just looking at Locky for the start of the season."

Henjak said the players had had enough of pre-season training and wanted to get into the physical stuff.

"We've got our first trial at the weekend, we'll have an opposed session with the two referees the following week and then we're into the serious stuff with Canberra and the Storm," said Henjak.

"It's only around the corner.

"The players can sense it and you can feel the tension starting to build."

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