NRL Broncos v Bulldogs: Tesi Niu and Adam Reynolds pass final test ahead of round two

Marquee halfback Adam Reynolds may be enjoying all the headlines but don’t underestimate the impact another 2022 debutant will have this Sunday.

The Broncos have received a boost with first-choice fullback Tesi Niu and marquee recruit Adam Reynolds cleared to return for Sunday’s clash against the Bulldogs in Sydney.

Niu, who missed Brisbane’s season-opening 11-4 defeat of Souths due to a hamstring injury, received the green light from medicos after running without complaint at the Broncos’ captain’s run on Saturday.

Kiwi Test ace Jamayne Isaako, who started at fullback against the Rabbitohs, has been demoted to accommodate Niu, who faces an intriguing backfield duel with speedy Canterbury recruit Matt Dufty.

Dufty destroyed the Broncos last season at his former club the Dragons, starring in a 52-24 drubbing, and Brisbane are banking on Niu to provide some strikepower in the No. 1 jumper.

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Tesi Niu has been cleared to play after the captain’s run. Picture: Liam Kidston

The explosive Niu is part of a reconstructed playmaking spine headlined by big-name import Reynolds, who will make his Broncos debut at halfback after showing no ill-effects from Covid at Brisbane’s final training session.

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters said the side has been buoyed by the return of Reynolds and Niu as the Broncos shoot for a second consecutive victory this season against the Bulldogs at Homebush’s Accor Stadium.

“Tesi and Adam trained well. It will be great to see them for the first time this year in a Broncos jersey,” Walters said.

“Tesi brings a lot of energy, he is a high-quality player. He has some good skills in his game, but he just needs to start from scratch again, get his defence right, organise our numbers and that will be his biggest job.”

Adam Reynolds will make his club debut on Sundey. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Reynolds faces a daunting Broncos baptism at his old Homebush home ground. The former Rabbitohs halfback will defend on the right edge, directly opposite Bulldogs recruit Tevita Pangai Jr, who can exact revenge on the Broncos club that cut him by terrorising Reynolds.

Walters backed Reynolds to not only handle the Pangai Jr onslaught, but bring slick game management to Brisbane’s scrumbase.

“That right edge of ours will have Jordan Riki and Kotoni Staggs outside him, so ‘Reyno’ will have plenty of support (defending Pangai Jr), not that he really needs protection,” he said.

“Adam is an accomplished defender and we are all looking forward to seeing him in a Broncos jumper. All eyes will be on Reyno.

“He will bring stability to the team. He has great knowledge, his kicking game is very good, so I just want him to do his job and it’s important our forwards hold their own. If we aren’t dominant in the middle, it makes Adam’s job a lot harder.

“Adam is very familiar with that stadium. He knows every blade of glass at Homebush, so we want to make sure we make his first game a memorable one.”