Broncos' bolter included in star-studded 20-man WCC squad

The Brisbane Broncos have named off-season bolter Aublix Tawha amongst all their stars in their 20-man World Club Challenge to take on Hull KR.

The Broncos have named a close-to-full strength side for the clash in England, with premiership stars Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas, and Adam Reynolds all named to run out.

Brendan Piakura is the only player from last year's grand final winning team to miss the clash after suffering a meniscus tear during pre-season training.

Kobe Hetherington and Tyson Smoothy have left the club.

Tawha has been a standout for the Broncos this pre-season, making a serious impression coach Michael Maguire after his move from The Dolphins.

"He's done really well, Maguire said on SENQ Breakfast

"He came in real early... and he's hit the ground running, and he's super fit.

"He's my style of player, and I'm looking forward to being able to sort of work with him and develop him into the team and the players love him.

"They're really enjoy him being there, and he brings a fair bit of intensity in around training too, so, I'm looking forward to seeing him develop with the team and I know the players are looking forward to playing with him."

Young gun Blake Mozer will make the trip over, as well as former Storm outside back Grant Anderson.

Maguire insisted the World Club Challenge was not a pre-season warm-up for the Broncos, and that they were going over for the explicit purpose of bringing home the silverware.

"We go to the World Club Challenge and it’s a great opportunity for the players," Maguire said.

"From all the signs at training, I’m seeing better results and (changes) in the way they are going about training.

"The leaders are now jumping in and getting things organised. We know what we’ve done in the past has created what we’ve got.

"Everyone is fit and healthy (and) the camaraderie around the group is really strong.

"I enjoy touring from previous experiences and it’s nice to do something with a team.

"We are completely focused on giving our best perform."

The World Club Challenge is on February 9 on SEN.

Full Broncos Squad:

Grant Anderson
Patrick Carrigan
Jack Gosiewski
Payne Haas
Ben Hunt
Jaiyden Hunt
Corey Jensen
Josiah Karapani
Ezra Mam
Deine Mariner
Blake Mozer
Cory Paix
Adam Reynolds
Jordan Riki
Gehamat Shibasaki
Kotoni Staggs
Ben Talty
Aublix Tawha
Reece Walsh
Xavier Willison