‘The big fella had a few tears’: Injuries inspire unsung Broncos’ debutant

2 months ago 22

In a side decimated by players withdrawn for State of Origin duties, the Broncos are set to usher in an unheralded debutant for a crucial clash with the Bulldogs.

Ben Talty arrived from the North Sydney Bears midseason on a train-and-trial deal through to the end of 2026, having amassed 85 games in the New South Wales Cup.

Named at 19th man for Friday night, he will replace Corey Jensen, out with a calf injury.

Ben Talty in action for the North Sydney Bears.

Talty’s call-up continues coach Michael Maguire’s habit of forging careers.

“We’ve got some good stories. Ben Talty came in here about a month ago, he’s put his head down and is going to be on the bench,” Maguire said.

“He reminded me about how special rugby league is.

“I was able to sit with him yesterday and talk about how he was going to debut. The big fella had a few tears and gave me a big squeeze, and it actually gave me a real sense of what it really means to play.

‘He’s been trying, he’s 26 now, so it just goes to show how special it is what our game brings. He’s a great fella, he’s a middle forward and done a bit of time down at the Storm.

“We saw signs of how well he’s playing.

Veteran Delouise Hoeter will assume the void left by Jesse Arthars, who will be sidelined with a rib concern despite originally being named on the wing.

Jensen and Arthars join Ben Hunt in the casualty ward – with Maguire saying he was “not going to take a risk” on his troublesome hamstring issue – as well as Fletcher Baker with a neck injury.

Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas, Gehamat Shibasaki and Reece Walsh are away for Origin.

“It just made me more motivated, and the club trusted to back myself, so to be here for another two years is pretty good,” Karapani said.

“I wasn’t playing, but ... I thought I would do my best to put my foot down so when Madge calls up, I would be ready to take the opportunity and not disappoint the boys and the team.”

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