Brisbane are set to get a front-row boost with Joe Ofahengaue poised to make his NRL return from injury in Saturday's clash with Newcastle.
The 23-year-old hasn't played since suffering a serious gash to his knee during his State of Origin debut for Queensland in their game one win over NSW in Brisbane earlier this month.
Ofahengaue had to have the wound surgically cleaned but has avoided any infection and trained with his teammates at Red Hill on Tuesday.
The prop's likely return will be a big boost for the Broncos who have suffered back-to-back defeats to Gold Coast and Parramatta without him.
"He had a big strapping on there but I think he got through it pretty well," Broncos hooker Andrew McCullough said.
"It was a fair cut but overall I think he'd be pretty confident from his point of view.
"Couple more sessions, we'll see how we go."
Ofahengaue's likely return will be a boost for Maroons coach Kevin Walters as he considers his options for the Origin decider in Sydney.
Queensland were embarrassed 38-6 in Perth last Sunday with Ofahengaue absent and the 190cm, 119kg prop is a good chance to be included in Walters' squad if he proves his fitness.
The Broncos also welcomed 197cm recruit Rhys Kennedy following his mid-season signing from South Sydney.
"Just met Rhys today. Seibs (Anthony Seibold)has had a bit to do with Rhys over the years and another addition to our team," McCullough said.
"Big forward as well so it's always handy ... hopefully he can put a bit of heat on the other boys."
Australian Associated Press
