Brisbane teenage sensation Tom Flegler will make his NRL debut in Round

Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold has named his team for Round 1 a few days early and teenage prop Tom Flegler, rated the next Shane Webcke, will make his NRL debut.

No.8 Tom Flegler with ball as Broncos face Wynnum Manly at Kougari Oval, Wynnum, Saturday February 23, 2019. (AAP/Image Sarah Marshall)

• IT’S TIME: United Broncos ready for title charge

• NEW BLOOD: Bennett backs second Brisbane team

Anthony Seibold has dropped his first selection bombshell as Brisbane coach by handing teenage prop sensation Tom Flegler his NRL debut for the season opener against Melbourne this Thursday night.

Seibold used Brisbane’s gala 2019 season launch to unveil his maiden 17-man Broncos squad with 19-year-old Flegler to face a daunting baptism against grand finalists Melbourne at AAMI Park.

In another selection surprise, Seibold will deploy Matt Gillett in a new role with the Origin star to move from second row to lock in his return to the NRL from the fractured neck that threatened his career last season.

But the big shock was the blooding of Flegler, who has rocketed into the top squad following the suspension that rubbed out monster prop Payne Haas for the opening month of the premiership.

Tom Flegler is the next Shane Webcke. AAP/Image Sarah Marshall.

The 105kg Broncos bolter is likened in style to legendary prop Shane Webcke and clinched his maiden Brisbane jumper after impressing Seibold with a bumper pre-season.

Melbourne’s big-name pack led by Kiwi Test star Jesse Bromwich will look to intimidate Flegler but Seibold is confident his young tearaway is up to the task after his strong trial against the Titans last week.

“Tom’s had a terrific pre-season and been a real standout in our first two trial games,” Seibold said.

“He brings qualities that are different to some of our other players.

“He’s a very explosive guy, powerful and aggressive. He’s put his hand up. He can’t do anymore.

“He’s in a good spot.”

Flegler represented the Maroons’ under-20s last season and hails from the north Queensland town of Tully.

Standing 190cm, Flegler has caught the eye with his hard-running style and no-nonsense workrate and his size will compensate for the loss of the 118kg Haas.

Gillett will start at lock for the first time in four years. Picture by Peter Wallis.

“Payne set himself up to the in our best 17 so he’ll be missed,” Seibold said.

“Tom is primed for an interchange role.”

In other team news, Gillett will wear the No.13 role and operate in the midfield, opening the door for Alex Glenn and Jaydn Su’A to start in the back row.

Hooker Andrew McCullough will be book ended by props Matt Lodge and Joe Ofahengaue.

Utility Kotoni Staggs has secured the No.14 super sub role with Tevita Pangai Jr and David Fifita to join Flegler on the bench.

There are no shocks in the backline. Skipper Darius Boyd, Corey Oates, Jack Bird, James Roberts and Jamayne Isaako form the back five while Kodi Nikorima and Anthony Milford will call the shots in the halves.

FULL TEAM

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Jack Bird 4. James Roberts 5. Jamayne Isaako 6. Anthony Milford 7. Kodi Nikorima 8. Matt Lodge 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Joe Ofahengaue 11. Alex Glenn 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Matt Gillett 14. Kotoni Staggs 15. Tom Flegler 16. Tevita Pangai Junior 17. David Fifita