Pangai to beef up Broncos forwards

WAYNE Bennett last night ushered in a brave new era for the Broncos by benching Sam Thaiday and handing Tevita Pangai Jnr the biggest test of his career against a monster Cowboys pack.

Bennett was expected to start with Thaiday on Friday night at prop against the Cowboys to ensure his 280 games of NRL experience could ease the pressure on controversial young bookend Matt Lodge.

But Bennett will take one of the biggest selection gambles of his 42- year coaching career, adamant Pangai Jnr, 22, can handle Cowboys big boppers Matt Scott, Jason Taumalolo and Jordan McLean.

Pangai Jnr and Lodge have started just six NRL games between them, but Bennett says it’s time for Brisbane’s posse of young forwards to muscle up – starting in the 2015 grand- final replay.

“It’s a huge test for Tevita – the Cowboys will teach him everything first grade is about,” Bennett said. “Tevita has been coming off the bench for the past two years, he’s played some state league ... well now he is going to the next level.

“We need to fill Sam’s place next year when he retires and he’s at a stage in his career now where he’s more suited to the bench. Sam still has a lot to offer this club and I want him to offer that.

“As a coach, I have to coach for the present, but at the same time I am coaching for the future. That’s how it works at this club, the young guys eventually have to stand up.”