Andrew McCullough set to make shock return for Broncos

ANDREW McCullough was supposed to be sidelined for four to six weeks with an elbow injury, but is now in line to make a stunning comeback.

Andrew McCullough at Broncos training. File photo

ANDREW McCullough is set to defy the odds once again, with the inspirational Broncos hooker desperate to return a month ahead of schedule.

McCullough made a shock appearance at Broncos training on Monday, just 10 days into a four-six week recovery from an elbow injury.

Arguably Brisbane’s most important player, McCullough has told Broncos medical staff he is ready to face the Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.

His replacement in the No. 9 jersey, Josh McGuire, has been ruled out for up to six weeks with an ankle injury that could cost him a spot in the State of Origin series opener on June 6.

EARLY MAIL: Mass changes for Round 9 as injury strikes

ROBERT CRADDOCK: Likes, dislikes from NRL Round 8

ANALYSIS: Where has it all gone wrong for the Cowboys?

Andrew McCullough is pushing to make an early return from injury.

Rookie Todd Murphy, yet to make his NRL debut, also trained at dummy-half on Monday along with utility Kodi Nikorima.

McCullough, 28, stunned Broncos medicos when he returned from a knee reconstruction in Round 1 this year, seven months post-surgery.

And he could produce another miracle comeback by facing Canterbury on Thursday.

Andrew McCullough was supposed to be sidelined for four to six weeks.

“He is very eager to get out there, that’s Macca, he doesn’t like sitting on the sidelines,” Broncos forward Alex Glenn said.

“It’s great he’s out there throwing the ball around. He looked good for us.

“It’s only a couple of weeks since he did his injury. He is a true professional. He knows what to do off the field to get himself right and he’s been doing everything.

“It’s great to have him around the boys. He sends a good vibe around the team. It lifts us.”

Todd Murphy could finally get his Broncos breakthrough. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

With 221 games of NRL experience, McCullough would be a welcome addition to a Broncos team searching for back-to-back wins for just the second time this season.

If he is not declared fit, the 27-year-old Murphy is in line to make his NRL debut, with Nikorima to come off the bench.

Murphy first joined the Broncos under-20s in 2009 and has been toiling away in the Intrust Super Cup waiting for his opportunity.

Usually a halfback, Murphy rained at hooker throughout the pre-season while McCullough was out of action.

“Toddy’s been with us for many years now,” Glenn said. “We’re comfortable with him fitting into the squad if that’s the case.

“He is comfortable around us boys. He knows our plays and structures. It’s not like we’re throwing him in the deep end and wishing him all the best.”

Jordan Kahu returned to contact training yesterday after fracturing his cheek in Round 2, however left the session early after copping a knock to the face.

LIVE stream every game of every round of the 2018 NRL Telstra Premiership on FOX SPORTS. Get your free two-week Foxtel Now trial and start watching in minutes. SIGN UP NOW >

Originally published as Andrew McCullough set to make shock return for Broncos