NRL 2022 Broncos v Dragons: All the news, action and fallout from Suncorp Stadium

With 12 players unavailable to take on the Dragons, Kevin Walters’ Broncos side has the chance to surpass Scott Minto’s 2003 heroics as the club’s greatest underdog victory.

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters has backed his injury-ravaged side to defy the odds after veteran winger Corey Oates became the latest Bronco to be ruled out of Sunday’s clash against the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium.

The Broncos were set to face the Dragons without 11 top-liners due to injuries and Origin commitments, but Oates is the 12th omission after being a shock eleventh-hour call-up to the Queensland side for Origin III this Wednesday night.

Maroons duo Cameron Munster and Murray Taulagi were officially scratched on Saturday morning after contracting Covid, prompting Queensland coach Billy Slater to issue an SOS for rejuvenated Broncos winger Oates.

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Delouise Hoeter will start on the Broncos’ left wing against the Dragons.

Instead of attending Brisbane’s captain’s run on Saturday, Oates raced to Camp Maroon on the Gold Coast, opening the door for Delouise Hoeter to start on the Broncos’ left wing against the Dragons.

The Broncos will be without key troops Payne Haas, Kurt Capewell, Pat Carrigan, Selwyn Cobbo, Te Maire Martin, Tom Flegler and Corey Jensen for the Dragons tussle, but Walters is thrilled with Oates’ Origin fightback.

“Corey has worked really hard this year on his game and it’s nice to see him getting a reward,” Walters said.

“It’s great news. Last year he was playing in the Intrust Super Cup, but he has fought back really well and it’s a great sign of his commitment and attitude. He has done all the work and he deserves his place in the Origin side.

“You want your players to be rewarded at the next level and it opens up an opportunity for Delouise to come into our side.

“‘Del’ is very experienced, he brings a lot of energy. He had one game for us earlier this year against Penrith and he was very good that night for us, so he is one guy looking forward to the opportunity that has been presented to him and he will take it with both hands.”

The Broncos-Dragons showdown is crucial in the context of both sides’ finals hopes.

The Broncos entered round 17 in fifth place on 20 competition points and they can move within touching distance of a finals campaign by disposing of the Dragons, who are just one win adrift in eighth spot.

Zac Hosking, the son of former Manly prop David, will make his NRL debut in the back row and Walters is backing his ‘Baby Broncos’, led by champion skipper Adam Reynolds, to uphold Brisbane’s proud legacy.

Zac Hosking will make his NRL debut for Brisbane on Sunday. Picture: NRL Images.

“We have got a few out through Origin and injuries, but it’s about every man standing up and playing to their ability and the best they can,” Walters said.

“We have a few guys in there who haven’t played a lot of footy, but it’s a great opportunity for them to get out there and showcase their skills.

“There has been a lot of energy around training with our sessions this week.

“They will be ready for it.”

Walters hopes his troops will be inspired by a 30-year reunion of Brisbane’s inaugural premiership team on a gala day at Suncorp.

“It’s great to see the Broncos legends around training,” said Walters, who played five-eighth in Brisbane’s 1992 grand-final defeat of the Dragons.

“I can’t believe it’s been 30 years since our first premiership.

“It was a great team, there is a lot of mateship among the boys and I am chuffed they will be at the game supporting us.”