Freshly re-signed Brisbane utility Kodi Nikorima is set for a barrage of high balls when he lines up at fullback in Thursday's NRL clash against Canterbury.
Nikorima signed a three-year deal with the Broncos earlier in the week and has been guaranteed a spot in the halves next season, with Ben Hunt moving to St George Illawarra.
But the 23-year-old will have to be content with remaining Brisbane's Mr. Fix-It until then, with coach Wayne Bennett preferring him to Jamayne Isaako, who made his debut in last week's win over Newcastle.
"He can't bring any height," Bennett said of the pint-sized Nikorima, who trained in that position at Red Hill on Wednesday.
"Outside of that, (it's) just a bit of experience.
"He's played some NRL at fullback, he's very capable.
"Jamayne did a really good job, I said that after the game and told him that as well, but it's a different game, different circumstances."
Bulldogs coach Des Hasler was skeptical if the 174cm Nikorima would start at fullback and when asked if he would look to test him with high balls, he only said: "We'll have to see."
Brisbane captain Darius Boyd is expected back from injury next week, meaning Nikorima will likely move back to the bench, but Bennett has promised him the No.7 jersey next season.
The Broncos were beaten 10-7 in the wet by the Bulldogs the last time they met in round five, but Hasler's men have lost eight of their past 12 games since to leave their finals hopes hanging by a thread.
"It's that stage of the season where we just have to keep winning games," Hasler said.
"But there's something about playing the Broncos at Suncorp that brings out the best in all footy sides.
"A win at Suncorp is important and if you come away with that it can kickstart things."
Both sides have their State of Origin players back this week, with Brett Morris, Josh Jackson and David Klemmer on deck for the Bulldogs, and Matt Gillett and Josh McGuire returning for the Broncos.
Bennett said the NRL was "much more enjoyable" now that players have a singular focus.
"There's no distractions now. Everyone here knows they've got one game to play, there's seven weeks to go," he said.
STATS THAT MATTER
* The Broncos head into the match with the better overall record against the Bulldogs but have lost three of the past four with their only win coming at Suncorp last season.
* Matches between the two sides have been close with nine of the past 11 decided by 10 points or less.
* Brisbane's defence has been tested in recent weeks, conceding 18 points or more in six straight matches.
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