Broncos throw a dummy over role

WAYNE Bennett could spring a selection shock and thrust Sam Thaiday into hooker to stiffen up Brisbane’s defence and secure a top-four finish.

And winger Corey Oates is on the verge of returning from a serious infection to boost the Broncos in the run to the finals.

While Ben Hunt is favoured to replace injured No.9 Andrew McCullough, Thaiday spent parts of yesterday’s training session at dummy-half and could be injected from the bench at hooker.

Hunt and Thaiday may rotate in Saturday night’s derby against the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium, a game the Broncos must win to stay in the congested top-four race.

Bennett is expected to name Hunt at hooker today but prop Korbin Sims said Thaiday could be a handy replacement.

“No one can replicate Macca but Ben’s very crafty and smart,” he said.

“If he picks a spot he wants to run or pass, I will back him 100 per cent.

“Moving into the hooking role shouldn’t be a worry because he knows all the plays as well. Sam knows how the team plays and he has a lot of experience. He has a crisp pass.”