Former Brisbane hooker Michael Ennis says Benji Marshall will provide the Broncos with much-needed composure when he slots in at halfback in their NRL qualifying final.
Marshall has been parachuted into the starting side to play Sydney Roosters on Friday night due to captain Darius Boyd's hamstring injury, with regular No. 7 Kodi Nikorima shifting to fullback.
Boyd's injury, combined with the absence of regular hooker Andrew McCullough, has scrambled the Broncos' first-choice spine and cast doubt over the club's premiership potential.
The Brisbane captain is at least hopeful of returning next weekend.
But Ennis, who played 273 NRL games for five clubs, says Marshall is the perfect short-term fix given the Broncos' end-of-set kicking struggles.
"It's a huge loss for Brisbane in terms of what Darius brings to the side," Ennis said on Fox Sports' On The Couch with Sterlo on Tuesday night.
"But Benji into the halves is timely experience ... it's huge.
"All this year he has been terrific when he's come on, especially in the halves and he knows semi-final football."
While Anthony Milford, Ben Hunt and Nikorima have flourished while running the ball in open play, Ennis said their last-tackle options and in-game kicking had been a constant issue.
Ennis said Marshall, who has been a calming influence since his surprise move to Red Hill this season, can address those concerns.
"Their ends of sets have been diabolical for 12 or 18 months," Ennis said.
"They really haven't ever had a grip on their kicking game and I think Benji knows when to go down a short side and kick into a corner and chase his kicks.
"He knows when the right time to find touch is, not just try to wind the clock down, he knows how to get a repeat set and that's what the Broncos need."
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