NRL Las Vegas Teams: Broncos to promote Martin Taupau at expense of Xavier Willison

The Brisbane Broncos will make a late change to their team for the Las Vegas showdown with the Roosters bringing in the experienced Marty Taupau at the expense of a young gun.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters is set to pull a late selection switch by pitchforking enforcer Martin Taupau into Sunday’s historic season opener against the Roosters in Las Vegas.

Taupau was named on an extended bench but it is understood the former Kiwi Test prop will be elevated into Brisbane’s starting 17 in place of young gun Xavier Willison, who is set to be dropped.

The 34-year-old spent most of training running with the NRL squad on Thursday as the Broncos completed their final session at the home of the Los Angeles Rams before heading to Vegas on Friday.

Willison, an 11-game greenhorn, was originally named in the 17, but Walters is leaning towards Taupau’s hard-headed, 243 games of experience against a big-name Roosters pack.

Walters is mindful the Broncos cannot afford to take on premiership contenders the Roosters with an inexperienced pack already eroded by grand-final hardman Tom Flegler’s departure to the Dolphins.

Martin Taupau training with the Broncos top-17 squad in the USA. Picture: Peter Badel

While Willison did some reps, he spent most of the time running with the opposed squad, suggesting Taupau will be part of a middle rotation comprising Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan and Corey Jensen.

Haas, Brisbane’s No. 1 prop, said 111kg powerhouse Taupau would not let the Broncos down if selected ahead of Willison for the round 1 blockbuster against the Roosters at Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.

“Marty brings experience,” Haas said.

“He has played for his country New Zealand and having someone in your team with Marty’s experience is pretty good.

“He is someone you can lean on for advice when the going gets tough.

“I’m not sure if he plays, but if he does play he will do his job.

“The front-rowers just have to do their job.

“We have a few boys who can step up for Tom (Flegler). We have Xavier Willison, Marty and Corey Jensen, they are all aggressive people so we can fill the void left by Tom.”

Xavier Willison. Picture: Liam Kidston

All eyes will be on Haas without his partner-in-crime Flegler and the NSW Origin prop is adamant he can go to another level and spearhead Brisbane’s bid to snap an 18-year title drought this season.

The five-time Paul Morgan Medallist has enjoyed an injury-free off-season and is ready to rip and tear against the Roosters’ big boppers.

Haas welcomed the prospect of Roosters big guns Lindsay Collins, Victor Radley and new recruit Spencer Leniu attempting to bash the Broncos in midfield.

“We know the Roosters will bring that kind of game,” he said.

“They like playing that aggressive footy so we are ready for a bash-up in the middle.

“The Roosters will be hungry to beat us, they will come out fast and it’s just about us weathering the storm and going for 80 minutes.

“I can’t wait for it. We get to test ourselves against the best middles and see where we are at.”

Peter Badel travelled to Las Vegas courtesy of the NRL

Originally published as NRL Las Vegas Teams: Broncos to promote Martin Taupau at expense of Xavier Willison