© Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOSCorey Oates could start the 2021 NRL season in the centres for Brisbane.
Corey Oates emerged as a shock option at centre for Brisbane as last season's wooden spooners shuffled through their left-side backline options just days out from their NRL opener against Parramatta on Friday.
Brodie Croft firmed as Kevin Walters' first-choice halfback to face the Eels - instead of 19-year-old Tom Dearden - as he spent the majority of training alongside Anthony Milford in an apparent first-grade side at training on Monday.
But with Herbie Farnworth (chest) and Jesse Arthars (ankle) both doubtful for the clash it was Oates and Richie Kennar cycling through the centre position and returning winger David Mead on the flank at Red Hill.
At one point among the game's elite wingers, Oates is angling for a shift to the back row but appears well down the pecking order in a position that the club enjoys rare depth.
He could still find himself earning game time in a new position though if Farnworth doesn't recover from a nasty infection and subsequent minor surgery that robbed him of valuable conditioning time in the pre-season.
Croft looks the front-runner to wear the No.7 ahead of Dearden, although didn't nail his audition on Monday with several fumbles as the two playmakers faced off in shootout of sorts to play alongside Milford.
Considered a key long-term plank for success at the club, Dearden was asked to prove himself in reserve grade on Saturday.
He scored a try and set up another for a Souths Logan Queensland Cup team also featuring Oates and dual international Karmichael Hunt.
The Broncos have plenty to prove under Walters this season after a maiden wooden spoon in 2020 caused by historically poor returns in both defence and attack.