Young forward Jai Arrow is set to make his NRL debut for the Broncos
THE Broncos will blood another debutant against Manly with impressive young forward Jai Arrow to play his first NRL game.
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BRONCOS fans are set for their first look at what life after Corey Parker may look like when Jai Arrow makes his NRL debut this weekend.
Arrow’s form in the Intrust Super Cup was too hard for Broncos coach Wayne Bennett to ignore, particularly when a calf injury to Alex Glenn and Adam Blair’s suspension opened the door for the 20-year-old.
Parker has played a remarkable 331 NRL games and will likely eclipse Darren Lockyer’s record of 355 next year.
Arrow is being groomed to replace the workhorse lock when he eventually hangs up the boots and his debut is well deserved, according to Norths Devils coach Mark Gliddon.
“A lot of people are saying that (Arrow is like Parker),” he said.
“That’s a fair comparison. They’re both very similar.
“They’ve both good workrates, play long minutes and have a nice offload in them.
“He’s been terrific for us. I can’t fault him. He’s a great kid with a big motor.
“I want to physically get myself right first. If the day comes to play NRL then it does.
“If it doesn’t, I’ve done all I can and that’s all I can ask from myself.’’
The Broncos are coming off a loss to Cronulla.
“He plays 80 minutes and regular runs between 190-230m a game and is in the 40-tackles bracket.”
Arrow came through league nursery Keebra Park on the Gold Coast and played three seasons of under-20s for the Broncos.
He was the club’s under-20s player of the year, forward of the year and players’ player last season.
Arrow clinched his NRL call-up with a starring performance for the Queensland Residents on Sunday and said he was feeling in top shape.
“I’m feeling the fittest I ever have,” he said.
“I’ve been playing 80 minutes, which is good for me as I used to only play about 65 in the under-20s.
“Wayne’s told me I’m going well and to keep doing what I’m doing.”
Herman Ese’ese has retained his place on the bench while Jarrod Wallace will start in the front row alongside Josh McGuire.
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