MAROONS’ NEXT RAGING BULL
Broncos and Titans set to welcome back their rep hookers
BRISBANE hooker Andrew McCullough has been named to make his anticipated return from injury in Sunday’s derby against Gold Coast.
And Titans counterpart Nathan Peats could join him after being included in an extended bench for his side.
The pair will join a host of stars with a chance of returning in Round 13 of the NRL, including Canberra fullback Jordan Rapana and Manly No.1 Tom Trbojevic.
Penrith powerhouse Viliame Kikau and Sydney Roosters halfback Cooper Cronk are also back, as is St George Illawarra five-eighth Corey Norman.
Cronulla duo Wade Graham and Shaun Johnson, Parramatta forward Nathan Brown and Wests Tigers veteran Chris Lawrence are on an extended bench.
Thirty-three of the 34 State of Origin players have also been named to back-up from game one, with Cronulla centre Josh Morris rested.
Manly, Penrith, Canterbury and St George Illawarra named Origin representatives in extended squads.
James Roberts will also begin his second life at South Sydney following his switch from the Broncos last week.
McCullough came through a skills session with Broncos teammates in training on Monday, less than a month after injuring his knee.
“He is progressing really well and should be available for selection this week,” Broncos head of performance Paul Devlin said. McCullough’s return comes after replacement hooker James Segeyaro was stood down for a week following a drinkdriving offence.
Peats (pectoral) hasn’t played since Round 2, Brown (pectoral), Round 3, Trbojevic (hamstring), Round 4, and Johnson (hamstring), Round 7. Graham (knee) and Lawrence (cheekbone) have yet to play this season and will be major boosts for their respective mid-table sides.
The Dragons made six changes, including the recall of fullback Matt Dufty, and the axing of Jordan Pereira on top of injuries to James Graham and Tim Lafai.
South Sydney captain Sam Burgess will play against Newcastle on Friday before heading in for shoulder surgery that will likely rule him out for two matches.
Meanwhile, Storm fullback Scott Drinkwater is closing in on a mid-season switch as the Cowboys face a backline injury crisis.