Cory Paix has made a compelling case at hooker to be included in Brisbane's round-one NRL side after shining in a 50-12 trial win over woeful Gold Coast.
Lock Kobe Hetherington, pushing to be the new No.13 for the Broncos, was also outstanding in a dominant display in Toowoomba on Sunday.
Paix, a Toowoomba junior, recovered from a lower-leg injury to take his place as starting hooker and was sharp.
It was a strong showing all-round from the 25-year-old, who darted over from dummy-half to score in front of family and friends.
Paix backed it up with a superb second try of his own in a crafty run-around move with prop Corey Jensen in a short but sensational stint when the best players from both sides were on the park.
The Broncos have three hookers - Paix, Billy Walters and Tyson Smoothy - in the battle to be No.9 against Sydney Roosters in round one now that Blake Mozer (shoulder) is injured.
Paix was overlooked by former coach Kevin Walters for the entire 2024 season, but has already become a favourite of new coach Michael Maguire for his outstanding work ethic and speed. He produced his A-game on Sunday when the pressure was on.
"I went out and did my job. Madge (Maguire) gave me clear instructions to go out and front-load. I felt really good and I felt comfortable," Paix said.
"I always thought I had to go back (to Queensland Cup in 2024) and work really hard. I did that at Wynnum. To train well in pre-season and play well today was pleasing.
"It is a clean slate here. I knew if I went and worked hard I would give myself a chance to be there round one."
Hetherington, in the mix to play lock if Queensland gun Pat Carrigan moves to prop, was strong.
Back-rower Brendan Piakura, in a battle with Jack Gosiewski to partner Jordan Riki in the second row, also boosted his chances.
Walters, playing in the halves in the first half, showcased the versatility to line up as a playmaker or dummy-half that will be crucial to him winning a spot in the top 17 on a regular basis.
The Titans are set to move AJ Brimson to five-eighth in this year's NRL season, where he played on Sunday, and it was a short kick from the former Queensland star that set up back-rower David Fifita for a late first-half try.
That was a minor highlight in a dismal display by the Titans, who lacked punch in the middle and were defensively lamentable.
Coach Des Hasler has multiple issues to deal with if the Titans are to make an impact in the 2025 season.
Broncos tyro 205cm prop Ben Te Kura, fresh from a superb opening trial game against Burleigh, made a strong run before Walters sent Gehamat Shibasaki over with a slick ball to open the scoring.
Te Kura came back on in the second half to score from close range. The Broncos led 24-6 at halftime and carved up in the second stanza as the Titans collapsed in a screaming heap.
