Former top-flight Brisbane hooker Kerrod Walters believes rookie Jake Granville has what it takes to be an NRL player, ahead of his first-grade debut on Friday.
The 24-year-old was not named in coach Anthony Griffin’s original 17-man squad for the derby against Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium.
But the 2011 Queensland Cup player of the year will now feature in the local battle, after bench utility Ben Hunt was moved to replace injured five-eighth Scott Prince (hamstring).
Walters, a 206-game veteran, played in Brisbane’s inaugural season in 1988 and was renowned for his upright darts from dummy half and support play – a style similar to Granville’s game.
The former Queensland and Australian hooker said, from what he had seen, Granville looked like an NRL player.
“Speed is a valuable commodity in any position, and he has it,” Walters said.
“The times I’ve seen him play he’s always been a handful for defences, which is usually a good indication you should be at the next level.
“He’s has to go out and enjoy it but also back himself.”
The Broncos have again lost luckless centre Justin Hodges who, for the second time this week, was forced to quit training early on Thursday with a cracked rib.
Despite being dosed up on painkillers, Hodges had to pull the pin on his bid to play.
He has already missed big games against Melbourne and South Sydney this season with respective hamstring and groin injuries.
His latest injury has triggered concerns that he might be in some doubt for Queensland’s opening State of Origin game in Sydney in three weeks.
However, Griffin didn’t seem worried about it being a long-term issue for the 30-year-old.
Gold Coast had better news, with hooker Matt Srama cleared to return from the badly dislocated finger that had kept him out since the Titans’ 30-6 loss to Newcastle in April.
Coach John Cartwright also confirmed prop Luke Douglas would continue his unbroken 180 game streak in honour of his mother Trish who lost her battle with cancer on Monday.
Co-captain Greg Bird paid tribute to Douglas saying he had the backing and support of his teammates for the game.
“He’ll be right although it’s a tough time for him and his family,” Bird said.
“He’s a tough guy and he’s a team man. I’m sure he’ll want to go out there … and put on a good performance for his mum.”
