Brisbane Broncos are looking at the possibility of calling on Celtic Crusaders players if some of their squad are injured when facing the Bridgend-based club in the Bulmers Original Cider Challenge at the Brewery Field on Thursday night (kick-off 7.30pm).
The Broncos are bringing just an 18-man squad to the UK and are concerned that if players are injured in Thursday?s encounter, this may leave them short for their Carnegie World Club Challenge match against St. Helens in Bolton eight days later.
The Broncos have two players on stand-by to fly over if needed for the St Helens match, but if more than three pick up knocks, then they will turn to the Crusaders, who are coached by former Broncos assistant John Dixon, for support.
Speaking in the Brisbane Courier-Mail newspaper today, Broncos? chief executive Bruno Cullen said: "There are a couple of former Broncos boys who are playing over there, so they know our systems. Obviously it wouldn't be ideal, but if we needed someone on the bench at short notice and if we can organise the relevant clearances and alike, it could be an option."
Current Crusaders players Neale Wyatt, Darren Mapp, Tony Duggan, Jace Van Dijk and Damien Quinn have all played for the Broncos in the past.
Tickets for Celtic Crusaders v Brisbane Broncos will be available from the box office at the Brewery Field on Thursday night priced ?10 for adults, ?5 concessions.