Xavier Willison was rested after a star showing for the Maori All Stars.

Eyebrow raising calls vindicated

Maguire left Broncos’ fans scratching their heads when he announced a near full-strength team for Saturday’s final trial – with Brendan Piakura, and livewire centre Deine Mariner not named to start.

In Piakura’s place, Jack Gosiewski – who garnered his NRL debut under Maguire at South Sydney – partnered Jordan Riki in the backrow, finishing with 115 running metres and 24 tackles.

While Piakura was far from poor when he got his chance (48 metres from five carries, and 12 tackles) he was outperformed by his unheralded 30-year-old teammate.

“He is very consistent in what he does, defensively he is strong, and he knows his role. I had a bit to do with Jack some time ago so I know what he is capable of.”

Michael Maguire on Jack Gosiewski

But perhaps the most surprising call was Gehamat Shibasaki – signed on a development deal at the Broncos – named to start over Mariner.

The 26-year-old ran for 80 metres and did not miss a tackle, before Mariner scored a decisive try, while running for 82 metres and 10 tackle busts.

Cory Paix also looked impressive in his stint at hooker, and looks to have beaten incumbent dummy-half Billy Walters for the No.9 jumper.

“I think that’s probably been one of the better things about the preseason – we’ve got the depth there, and there’s a lot of competition for spots,” Broncos winger Jesse Arthars said.

“Everyone’s just working hard every day just pushing each other to be better, and it’s just rubbing off on every player.”

Is Hunt the key to unleashing Reece Lightning?

Ben Hunt’s first appearance in a Broncos’ jersey since 2017 was a victorious one, but it was the way he linked up with Reece Walsh which will have Brisbane fans salivating at what could come in 2025.

The veteran halfback never rushed the livewire fullback, his ability to hold up the pass and give the star No.1 time to attack pivotal in gifting Arthars a clear passage to the line.

Hunt had a hand in all three first-half tries – his spilt bomb sending Adam Reynolds on his way and passing for Jock Madden to break through in the lead up to Selwyn Cobbo’s four-pointer – the 34-year-old looked at home in his old jersey.

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Walsh did not need to overplay his hand. He could pick his moments as Hunt took charge, after Reynolds left the field after a 20-minute stint.

“He brings a wealth of experience, he’s been around for a really long time, and he just brings calmness – he’s really chilled,” Arthars said of Hunt.

“He’s the voice there so he helps a lot, it’s just his experience.”

Broncos stars cleared of injuries

While Haas, Walsh and Kotoni Staggs had all left the field by halftime to receive treatment, none are set to be in doubt to take on the Sydney Roosters in round one.

Haas appeared to aggravate the left foot injury he has been nursing throughout the preseason, while Walsh was spotted with ice on his knee sitting on the bench.

• Staggs was the most concerning with a quad issue, having already been rehabbing a hamstring, but the club have confirmed it was more precautionary than anything sinister.

“They’re very important, they’re obviously our leaders so we look to them when it gets tough. I’m sure they’ll be fine.”

Jesse Arthars on injured trio