Matt Gillett will make his long-awaited return from injury in Brisbane’s NRL trial against Gold Coast on Saturday night after he was named at lock.

The Test back-rower will wear the No.13 jersey, instead of Tevita Pangai Junior who has been rested due to a hamstring concern.

Gillett hasn’t played since round five last year due to a fractured neck and a shoulder reconstruction.

Gillett will get a hit-out in Brisbane’s final pre-season trial which will also feature captain Darius Boyd, Corey Oates, Jamayne Isaako, Matt Lodge, Andrew McCullough and Joe Ofahengaue in their first game for 2019.

Kodi Nikorima will feature in the halves with new recruit Sean O’Sullivan at five-eighth, with playmaker Anthony Milford still sidelined with a hamstring complaint.

Jack Bird and NSW strike weapon James Roberts will combine in the centres for the first time for Brisbane.

The Broncos have named a nine-man bench with coach Anthony Seibold running the rule over his players before their NRL season opener against Melbourne on March 14.