Brisbane Broncos great Lote Tuqiri believes Super Rugby duo Floyd Aubrey and Glen Vaihu will rise to the top at Souths Logan Magpies

Amid the Broncos’ salary-cap juggling act to retain star backs Kotoni Staggs and Selwyn Cobbo – both off contract this year – Tuqiri believes the Souths Logan duo will impress for full-time opportunities among the game’s elite.

“Definitely, they’ve obviously got to wrap their head around what’s going on, but definitely, both of them. I think they’ll appreciate the more space they get out wide, just with the defences being back 10 metres,” he said.

“Glen’s obviously played really well for us, and he’s earned that train and trial, so they’ve had a good look at him up the top there.

“When he’s come back to us, he’s had a great attitude, he trains hard. He’s been in a professional system for a while.

“Floydy is the same. Hopefully, he can put his hand up for some bigger honours. I’m hopeful for both of them to go really well in rugby league.”

While Vaihu has emerged as a centre prospect, Tuqiri believes Aubrey will not be confined to the wing position that garnered him two Reds’ Super Rugby caps.

The 21-year-old has speed to burn, but the Brisbane champion feels he needs to get his hands on the ball as much as possible – opening the door for a fullback berth.

Souths Logan, an affiliate club of the Broncos, have recent history in converting reserve-grade No.1s into NRL sensations, after Tristan Sailor had a successful stint as Reece Walsh’s understudy for the Broncos before signing a three-year deal with English Super League outfit St Helens.

“I don’t know where we’re going to play him [Aubrey] – whether at 14 or playing him at fullback – but I don’t know if he’s a winger, and I don’t think he wants to play on the wing,” Tuqiri said.

“He’s a bloke who needs to have his hands on the ball. We’ve got some good outside backs at Souths Logan, but what he’s shown in preseason and how he’s trained and applied himself, he’s definitely put his hand up when the season comes around.”

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