Brisbane's search for a centre has taken a twist with Kotoni Staggs outshining returning big gun Jack Bird in the Broncos' NRL pre-season match against Wynnum Manly.
The Broncos took their time on Saturday night to subdue the Queensland Cup outfit in a 26-12 win at Kougari Oval on Brisbane's bayside.
There were mixed performances from a number of young Broncos aiming for a place in Brisbane's 17 for their March 14 season opener against Melbourne.
But there was no doubt over the quality of Staggs who scored a try and was the Broncos' most-dangerous player at right centre.
The 20-year-old's goalkicking might also tempt coach Anthony Seibold to find room for him in the team to face the Storm.
Many questions remain unanswered over Brisbane's best line-up after two trials.
Forwards David Fifita and Thomas Flegler posed the strongest arguments from a bunch of big men fighting for a spot in the Broncos' pack.
Another youngster, teenager Tom Dearden, looked comfortable as he took charge at halfback against the Seagulls.
Seibold should be satisfied with Bird's first outing in his comeback from a long-term sternum injury.
He unleashed a powerful fend in the build-up to a long-range try for Richie Kennar but had his defensive readiness tested by the Seagulls' right edge who fancied themselves against the returning utility.
Bird was exposed on one occasion when the former NSW State of Origin back rushed out of the line and was beaten by impressive Seagulls and ex-Wests Tigers centre Delouise Hoeter.
The home side's part-timers held their own against the Broncos in the first half, restricting them to just one try for much of that period and had one of their own disallowed when five-eighth Jayden Berrell was called back for an obstruction.
