Henjak in two minds over Gillett - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Henjak in two minds over Gillett

By Wayne Heming 27/07/2010 04:55:13 PM Comments (0)

Coach Ivan Henjak's gamble with an unknown Matt Gillett five months ago could pay a bonus dividend with big-hitting forward Ben T'eo sidelined with a foot injury.

Scans on Tuesday revealed T'eo had suffered a mid-foot strain and possible fracture against the Roosters while winger Antonio Winterstein also had scans on his knee and remains in some doubt for Sunday's home showdown with the Dragons.

Henjak has already got a bigger than expected return for his initial investment in Gillett, an instant success since marking his debut against the Cowboys with a strong game which included a try.

Not even listed in the NRL's official media guide, Gillett has scored nine tries in 14 NRL games - eye-catching stuff considering he starts off the bench.

And he has given Henjak more options, with the severity of T'eo's injury not yet known.

"There might be a small fracture there but we're not sure how long that will keep him (T'eo) out for," Henjak told AAP.

While Henjak has named Gillett in the back row for the clash, he hasn't decided if he'll actually start given the impact he's had all season coming off the bench.

"I'm not sure what I'm going to do there yet," he said.

"I've named him there because I had to make a quick decision but he's been doing such a great job for us coming off the bench.

"If I have to, I will, but I think he's doing a hell of a job doing what he's doing."

Henjak may opt to start Lagi Setu in the back-row against his former club, leaving Gillett to make an impact as he has been doing all year.

Gillett sparked Brisbane's comeback against the Titans and almost did it again against the Roosters on Monday night with a powerful second-half try and a great one-handed off-load for another.

He pushed a pass that may have cost Brisbane a try but Henjak can live with the occasional error from his exciting rookie.

"That's the nature of the beast," said Henjak.

"If we don't allow him to do that and live with it, he'll never learn to do it.

"I don't want to knock that out of him."

Henjak could have problems replacing Winterstein, with Denan Kemp still experiencing pain in the ribs he busted earlier in the season against the Warriors.

Kemp will visit a doctor on Wednesday to get an updated report.

Gerard Beale is the logical replacement if Winterstein can't play.

Meanwhile young hooker Andrew McCullough, who had one of his best games for the club against the Dragons last year, said it was important Brisbane didn't slip too far off the pace following Monday night's loss to the Roosters which bumped them out of the top eight.

The Dragons have lost twice over the past four weeks to Penrith and the Titans but still sit four points clear of the field on the ladder.

"They've lost a couple (and) they'll be really primed for this game," said McCullough, dismissing suggestions the Dragons were starting to choke.

"I don't think they're chokers, to say that is a bit harsh."

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