Brisbane Broncos: 2021 round 1 predicted team

In a series analysing who will line up in each position for all 16 teams in the opening round of the Telstra Premiership in 2021, NRL.com looks at the Brisbane Broncos.

NRL.com says: Youngster Tesi Niu was first-choice fullback before being injured last year but now looks likely to end up in the centres with new coach Kevin Walters indicating Jamayne Isaako is set to get another crack at the No.1 jersey to start 2021.

Three into two in the halves doesn't go but there will be pressure on Anthony Milford if he can shake off a hand injury to start the season over Brodie Croft.

Another impressive youngster in Jordan Riki will be pushing for a start in the back row sooner rather than later. Jesse Arthars and Dale Copley are vying for a starting spot in the backs left vacant by Kotoni Staggs's ACL injury.

Veteran hooker Andrew McCullough has joined the Dragons, opening the door for Jake Turpin to start.

Test prop Payne Haas will be missing from the line-up to start the season after he was banned three games, and fined $50,000, by the NRL for intimidating police during an off-field incident in January.

Jamie Soward says: It's going to be around their spine – will Milford be able to deliver under Walters' new style of attack? They haven't got the fullback spot right since Darius Boyd left the first time and they need someone consistently able to deliver week after week. Tesi Niu should get the spot early on.

Jamayne Isaako's had his chance there and didn't play to his capabilities if he wanted to be a fullback. If you want to be a fullback you have to be doing exceptional things all the time and he wasn't doing that.

Their pack should be able to compete but their spine just doesn't create enough points.