Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin has pulled a selection surprise, naming captain Sam Thaiday in the front row for Friday night’s NRL clash with Parramatta at Parramatta Stadium.

As expected 21-year-old Corey Norman was named five-eighth for the first round clash and has been given first shot at securing retired skipper Darren Lockyer’s No.6 jumper.

With Thaiday moving from his regular back-row spot to partner Ben Hannant in the front row, Ben Te’o has won a starting spot in the pack with Alex Glenn in the second row.

Brisbane team: Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Corey Norman, Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Sam Thaiday (capt), Alex Glenn, Ben Te’o, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Matt Gillett, Scott Anderson.