Broncos’ kid mule ready to kick on

BRONCOS rookie Zac Hosking is set to make his NRL debut and Tesi Niu will return from a hamstring injury for Sunday’s home clash against the Dragons.

The Broncos have been rocked by an injury crisis with up to 10 players, including star prop Payne Haas, to miss the crucial showdown with the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium.

That has opened the door for Hosking, the son of former Manly prop David “The Mule” Hosking. The Broncos will roll out the “Baby Mule” in Hosking, a 25-year-old former carpenter (pictured) who has impressed in the back row in the Queensland Cup this season.

Brisbane’s 40-26 defeat to the Cowboys in the Queensland derby has had painful ramifications with w Haas

(shoulder), Te Maire Martin (ribs) and Corey Jensen (calf) ruled out of the round 17 clash against the Red V.

Compounding the injury saga, rampaging forward TC Robati suffered a broken arm playing in the Hostplus Cup on Sunday, while back-rower Brendan Piakura sustained a head knock for Norths Devils.

Meanwhile, star trio Pat Carrigan, Kurt Capewell and Selwyn Cobbo will be unavailable for selection due to their Maroons commitments for Origin III, as is teammate Tom Flegler, who has been named Queensland’s 18th man for the Suncorp Stadium decider. It leaves Broncos coach Kevin Walters with some selection migraines as he prepares to field a virtual second-string Brisbane outfit.

On a positive note for the Broncos, their scrumbase will remain intact, with skipper Adam Reynolds to lead Brisbane out alongside classy fiveeighth Ezra Mam.