An SOS may be sent to banished Bronco Corey Norman as NRL finals hopefuls Brisbane attempt to fill the gaping hole created by Justin Hodges' season-ending injury.
Norman appeared destined to play out the season in the second-tier Queensland Cup after coach Anthony Griffin lost patience with the Parramatta-bound playmaker a month ago.
Griffin stressed at the time the move was purely based on Norman's form - not his decision to switch to the Eels from next season.
While Norman has been in solid rather than spectacular Queensland Cup form, Griffin may have to ask him to line up against his future employers in Friday night's Suncorp Stadium clash in Hodges' absence.
As Griffin weighs up his backline options, Norman and the recently recovered Jordan Kahu (hand) loom as the last men standing.
Griffin recently compared his backline with the "Bermuda Triangle" after losing Jharal Yow Yeh, Dale Copley, Jack Reed, Kahu and now Hodges to injury during the season.
Broncos hooker Andrew McCullough agreed Norman was a worthy backline option but was not convinced current in-form No.1 Josh Hoffman should make way for him at fullback and fill Hodges' centres vacancy.
"Hoff is such an explosive player. He's been great at fullback for us and hasn't played a lot there (centre) to be honest," he said.
"It's hard to judge the way Hook (Griffin) is going to go about it."
Hodges, 31, is not considering retirement despite facing a tough 10-month rehabilitation after rupturing his Achilles in Brisbane's 26-24 home win over St George Illawarra on Sunday.
His loss is a body blow for the 11th-placed Brisbane who must win their final four games to remain in the top-eight mix.
But McCullough did not believe their finals hopes had left with Hodges.
"It is sad for Hodgo but in saying that he would want us to play well, turn it around against Parra and take steps from there," he said.
In another injury worry, ex-Test winger Yow Yeh - still trying to find his feet after a shocking compound ankle fracture las year - received another setback when he broke his hand moving a fridge for his mum.
"He has obviously done something to get bad karma, but he is battling back," McCullough said.
"He is so positive around the club and still giving blokes stick which is good."
