Much of the Brisbane Broncos’ success is built on the dominance of their engine room, or more specifically, Patrick Carrigan and Payne Haas.
It was not surprising, then, that after Carrigan was hit with a one-week suspension ruling him out of this week’s preliminary final, many questioned whether the Broncos had the forward pack to match it with the Penrith Panthers.
Losing Carrigan is a massive blow to the Broncos’ grand final hopes, with a huge load now on Payne Haas and no real replacement putting their hand up for selection.
A bolter has suddenly emerged, however, with the Courier Mail reporting that backup hooker and utility Tyson Smoothy is set to be named at lock for the Broncos — what would be his first game in the number 13 jersey at the club.
MORE: Broncos make final call on Ezra Mam for Panthers clash
It is a stunning move from coach Michael Maguire, likely designed to get another ball player into the middle while improving the speed and agility of his middle forward rotation.
The change may also be influenced by the news that Ezra Mam will return, meaning the Broncos no longer need Smoothy on the bench as a utility.
Maguire has likely been impressed with what he has seen from Smoothy in recent weeks and this could be the biggest opportunity of the young utilities career.
If the reports prove correct and both Mam and Smoothy are named, the Broncos’ starting spine combined with their forward pack gives the team significant flexibility and an intriguing mix to take on the Panthers.
The Mam and Smoothy moves may very well signal a new game plan from Maguire to beat the Panthers at Suncorp on Sunday, and it will be fascinating to see it unfold.
Broncos fans will be hoping it is a masterstroke to catapult them into their second grand final in three years.