NRL 2020: Cory Paix to make Brisbane Broncos debut after Jake Turpin sidelined

Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold has been forced to hand another rookie his NRL debut after Jake Turpin was ruled out of the Round 4 blockbuster against Sydney Roosters.

Cory Paix will make his NRL debut for the Broncos against Sydney Roosters. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

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The Brisbane Broncos will hand two debutants a baptism of fire when young guns Tesi Niu and Cory Paix are thrust into the NRL against the back-to-back premiers on Thursday night.

Broncos coach Anthony Seibold will hand Niu and Paix their first NRL jerseys in the showdown against the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium.

Niu, 18, will come off the bench, likely at fullback, while Paix is set to replace injured hooker Jake Turpin.

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Jake Turpin is dealing with a knee injury which could keep him out of action for a month. Picture: Getty

The brave Turpin is pushing to play through the pain of a knee injury which could sideline him for a month, with Seibold waiting until Wednesday morning to make a decision on his No. 9.

The Broncos are reluctant to expose Turpin to a potential long-term injury but last week released their back-up hooker, club veteran Andrew McCullough, to Newcastle for the remainder of the season.

Paix, 20, has been waiting in the wings, with the Broncos transforming the Cooper Cronk-clone from a halfback to hooker over the past two years.

Paix’s elevation has come somewhat earlier than expected but Seibold believes the junior Queensland dynamo is ready for the NRL.

“He’s an elite kid,” Seibold said.

Cory Paix will make his NRL debut for the Broncos against Sydney Roosters. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“It’s obviously a big step up for him to play the Roosters but he’s handled everything he’s progressed through.

“He was a standout for Redcliffe last year playing half and hooker. We’ve signed him long-term and really believe in him.

“He is a real pro. He is only 20 but he has a lot of maturity. Speaking to him is like talking to a 30-year-old. He’s got a lot of good qualities.

“We’re resting Turps (from training), he’s got a bit of soreness through his knee. He trained Sunday and pulled up a bit sore.

“There’s a big chance, regardless of how Turps is, that Paixy will be in the 17.”

Tesi Niu will make his NRL debut off the bench. Picture: Darren England/AAP

Niu spent Tuesday’s training session at Red Hill slotting in at fullback, suggesting he will be injected from the bench in his favoured position if the Broncos do not sustain any injuries.

Niu has already made his international debut for Tonga and Seibold said he had no hesitation thrusting him into an NRL showdown against the mighty Roosters and the game’s best player - fullback James Tedesco.

“I had no hesitation whatsoever with regards to blooding Tesi,” he said.

“He’s been tremendous. He deserves an opportunity.

“His debut for Tonga against Great Britain last year showed he can do a job at this level.

“We’ve got great faith in what he can bring. He brings something a little different to what we’ve got.”

Originally published as NRL 2020: Cory Paix to make Brisbane Broncos debut after Jake Turpin sidelined