Broncos centre's long two-year wait for game time after winning NRL title and Origin series

Brenko Lee is poised to grab his chance again after spending nearly two seasons treading water since his NRL title and State of Origin double.

The centre was impressive in Brisbane’s gutsy defeat of Canberra on Saturday, in just his second NRL game and first victory since winning a premiership with Melbourne and clinching a State of Origin series inside a month in 2020.

Injuries took hold in 2021 and he was sent to the Broncos, where he found himself down the pecking order.

But he is now ready to play an important role, with English centre Herbie Farnworth facing a possible season-ending biceps injury.

It is Lee’s fifth NRL club but the 26-year-old says he has coped well with the long wait for another chance.

“That’s life and rugby league; it’s not a straight road, it’s real rocky,” he told AAP.

“I’m a bit more mature than when I was 18, 19, when I would’ve been more frustrated, kicking stones.

“But it all happens for a reason and I was ready to go when called upon.”

Lee could shift flanks to accommodate the likely return of Kotoni Staggs, who is among a host of stars hopeful of playing the Storm in Melbourne on Friday.

Captain Adam Reynolds (ribs), prop Payne Haas (shoulder), winger Corey Oates (hand), fullback Te Maire Martin (ribs) and five-eighth Ezra Mam (HIA) all finished the game with concerns but are targeting the clash.

However, hooker Cory Paix (knee) faces up to six weeks out, while Farnworth requires surgery and is touch-and-go to feature again this year.

Farnworth scored twice on Saturday and had been a huge factor in the Broncos’ (9-4) form surge that has them on a seven-game winning streak.

Lee has been around long enough to know nothing is guaranteed but admits he’s excited by a premiership reunion of sorts against the high-flying Storm (10-3).

“It’s been a long few weeks (waiting for a chance to play), but I knew when I got my opportunity I needed to take it and stamp my authority,” he said.

“If it does arise again I’ll be taking it again. Going down to Melbourne, got a few close mates down there winning the premiership with them.

“It’ll be a big trip, but we’re flying and one thing for sure is we won’t beat ourselves.”