Bennett Rings Changes
by Chris Cox
Saturday March 20, 2004

Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has been forced to make a string of changes for tomorrow's blockbuster clash with a troubled Parramatta Eels at Suncorp Stadium.  Brad Meyers (cork thigh) and Shaun Berrigan (hamstring) have been forced to withdraw due to lack of preparation.

Berrigan, the two-try man of the match hero of last week's thrilling 28-20 win over the Warriors, is replaced in the starting side by Nick Parfitt who comes onto the wing.  Michael De Vere shifts into the centres to cover for Berrigan.

Brad Meyers will be replaced by Tonie Carroll, who shifts out of the centres into the back row.  Youngster Karmichael Hunt, who debuted at fullback last week, will start in the centres. 

18-year-olds Tom Learoyd and Neville Costigan come onto the bench alongside Corey Parker and Darren Mapp, capping off a 17 brimming with size and power to counter a Parramatta side built for braun.

Learoyd, a product of Tamworth in New South Wales, is an exciting prospect.  Having dominated last week's narrow loss by the Clydesdales to Tweed Heads, Learoyd has earnt a surprisingly fast call up to first grade football.  Standing at 192cm tall and 116kg, Learoyd is a giant. What makes him unique is his speed, having been a high school sprint and high jump champion.

At just 18 years of age, Learoyd is the second youngest Broncos forward debutant of all time, pipped by Sam Thaiday last season.

Costigan is another exciting player in the Broncos ranks, having impressed everyone with his debut in grade last season with Toowoomba.  Costigan played several games at the end of last season in first grade, and his speed, strength and ballplaying ability will be extremely valuable.

With the four-forward bench, both Carroll and lock forward Casey McGuire are expected to spend some time in the backline during tomorrow's clash.

Parramatta have had their own problems this week.  After last weekend's embarrassing 48-14 thrashing at the hands of the Bulldogs, the Eels have been rocked by the sudden departure of Test centre Jamie Lyon, who cited burnout and lack of desire for his decision to return to his home town of Wee Waa and walk out on a $250000 contract.