THE battle for the Broncos crucial interchange utility spot is wide open after off-season recruit Travis Waddell has been forced to undergo surgery on his elbow.
Waddell may lack the profile of fellow big-name imports Darius Boyd and Anthony Milford, but Broncos coach Wayne Bennett sees the former Knights rake playing a key role next season.
The tough-tackling 25-year-old is the frontrunner to clinch Brisbanes No.14 jumper in 2015, but an elbow setback three weeks ago has opened the door for a raft of bench candidates.
Bennett confirmed he will stack his bench with three big forwards, leaving the likes of Waddell, Alex Glenn, Todd Lowrie, Jordan Kahu and rookie Ipswich hooker Matt Parcell to vie for a utility berth.
The Courier-Mail understands Brisbanes starting back row will be Matt Gillett, Corey Parker and Sam Thaiday, with Jarrod Wallace, James Gavet and Mitch Garbutt to provide size and punch off interchange.
Parcell has trained the house down in pre-season, winning Brisbanes 2.5km time trials, but Bennett believes Waddell can be a handy addition when he returns to full fitness.
I am certainly going to go with three big boppers (on the bench) and then one utility player, Bennett said.
I bought Travis Waddell for that reason, I think he can be a good back-up for Andrew McCullough, but Ive hardly seen him lately because hes had an operation on his elbow.
He had a small problem with it and hes now in the rehab group. I coached him last year at Newcastle and I like what he brings.
Theres not much of Travis but he defends extremely well in the middle and hes very competitive.
He does a good job at dummy-half without blowing everybody off the park. Hes pretty tough for his size, some of the hits he puts on blokes is unbelievable.
I just like his toughness and he got a lot of confidence towards the end of last year at the Knights.
Bennett said he will not be actively chasing more recruits for next season after luring Boyd, Gavet, Waddell and Kiwi Test enforcer Adam Blair to the Broncos in the past six weeks.
Unless someone else falls out of the tree, Im more than happy with what Ive got here, he said.
Theres no more recruitment here in the short term. There might be some small changes in the next 12 months but nothing more is planned for the 2015 season.
Fullback Boyd said he is impressed by Brisbanes emerging wave of talent headed by young guns Jayden Nikorima and Joe Ofahengaue, who have been elevated to the NRL squad.
Its my tenth year coming up and seeing these young guys, they are all fast, fit and skilful, Boyd said.
They are running ridiculous times and their skills are a lot further ahead of where I was at their age. Its pleasing to see and its good for the future of the Broncos.
Originally published as Waddell injury opens door for Broncos squad
