Broncos fullback spot a reward for consistent Luke Capewell

BRISBANE coach Anthony Griffin has rewarded utility Luke Capewell's consistency by promoting him to fullback for Monday's clash with Parramatta.

BRISBANE coach Anthony Griffin has rewarded utility Luke Capewell's consistency by promoting the former Australian Schoolboy rep to fullback in place of suspended Kiwi Test custodian Josh Hoffman for Monday night's clash with Parramatta.

A backline injury crisis and suspensions have forced several changes, with Capewell, Lachlan Maranta and Aaron Whitchurch forming a new-look back three to tackle the Eels at Suncorp Stadium.

Hoffman yesterday accepted a one-week ban for dangerous contact but teammate Ben Te'o will fly to Sydney tonight hoping to avoid a suspension by winning a downgrade on a careless high tackle charge.

Te'o was not named yesterday but coach Anthony Griffin confirmed he would be rushed straight back in if his appeal was successful tonight.

Lock Corey Parker was named despite missing training yesterday with his medial knee ligament injury, as was five-eighth Corey Norman, rested from the session due to groin soreness.

Capewell, Whitchurch and Dunamis Lui were the new faces in the Broncos side, with Whitchurch named on the wing and Gerard Beale moving into the centres for injured Test star Justin Hodges.

Griffin said he had full faith in Capewell's ability at fullback, given he had started his career in the No.1 spot for South Sydney and proved himself with more than 30 NRL career games and solid performances for Redcliffe in the Queensland Cup.

"He deserves a chance," Griffin said. "He has only had the one start for us off the bench so far this year, but it's funny how if you're in good form your opportunities surface when you least expect them."

Hodges, who confirmed he had both ankle and hamstring injuries, is planning a comeback for the Canterbury game on August 12 but has backed the "Baby Broncos" to recover from last week's costly "bad attitude" in the loss to the Gold Coast.