Selwyn Cobbo is back in business for Brisbane after a three-game absence but veteran utility Ben Hunt's hamstring is still not ready for action.
Cobbo replaces Queensland's 18th man Reece Walsh at fullback for Friday night's away clash with Canterbury after being dropped from the side after the round 13 loss to Manly.
Hunt has not played since tearing a hamstring against South Sydney in round 10 but the veteran is still at least a week away from a comeback.
Cobbo will join the Dolphins next year but his influence on the Broncos' chances of having a tilt at the title remain in play after the club refused to release him before the June 30 deadline.
"It makes us feel comfortable if we have him coming into the team. He's a great in," Broncos forward Jack Gosiewski said.
"Obviously this is his last year so we need him playing his best footy still for the club ... and I am sure he will."
Cobbo's axing and subsequent linking with the Dolphins opened the door for blockbusting winger Josiah Karapani and he grabbed his chance in stunning fashion.
Karapani, 23, has scored five tries in the three matches he has played this year and inked a two-year extension.
Cobbo, who played wing against the Sea Eagles before being dropped, is the man Karapani unseated in the short and now long-term.
That hasn't stopped Cobbo from helping Karapani out.
"Me and Selwyn talk every day at training and I ask for advice and he gives me some tips," Karapani said.
"Last week I asked him before the game to give me some advice - 'If there's anything to work on to let me know' - and we had a pretty good chat at half-time. We spoke and I took it out there.
"He said just 'Keep doing your thing'. He gives me reassurance.
"Me and Selwyn have a good relationship. It's a healthy, competitive environment. We all want to see each other succeed, which is good."
Karapani said he had no doubt Cobbo would return with a bang against the Bulldogs.
"I have full trust in Selwyn," he said.
"I know he will do his job for the team and I know he is fired up to come back to the team and be the best he can."
Karapani said his new deal was a massive confidence boost.
"It just made me more motivated," he said.
"To be here for another two years is pretty good. I am truly blessed and grateful for my opportunity."
The Broncos have recalled centre Deine Mariner to replace Maroons debutant Gehamat Shibasaki against the Bulldogs while forwards Jaiyden Hunt and Tyson Smoothy come onto the bench to replace regular Origin stars Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan in the 17.