In a series analysing who will line up in each position for all 16 teams in the opening round of the Telstra Premiership in 2020, jetwinvip.com looks at the Brisbane Broncos.
jetwinvip.com says: Veteran Darius Boyd spent most of the pre-season training at left centre and is set to partner Kotoni Staggs in round one.
Jamayne Isaako was the frontrunner for the fullback jersey but the returning Jack Bird looks to have pipped him at the post.
Former Titans young gun Jesse Arthars looks set to beat Xavier Coates and Isaako for the other starting winger berth with Corey Oates on the other flank.
Another veteran in Andrew McCullough faces losing his spot, with young gun Jake Turpin firming for a start at hooker which would likely relegate McCullough to the interchange.
Matt Lodge aggravated a partial ACL tear in the pre-season but is confident he will get on the field in 2020. In the meantime, Tevita Pangai jnr is likely to replace him as Payne Haas's front-row partner while Pat Carrigan is set to grab the lock's jumper.
Joe Ofahengaue has been suspended for two matches, paving the way for Jamil Hopoate to come onto the bench.
Jamie Soward says: I've got Darius Boyd at centre, Xavier Coates on the wing and I'd play Jack Bird off the bench. You want two big, tall guys to kick to on the wings – particularly given the rule changes – and Bird can come on and roam around the middle.
