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The Broncos will rely on special dispensation and fresh faces as injuries force a reshuffle against the Bulldogs.

The NRL is set to grant the Brisbane Broncos a special exemption ahead of Friday night's clash with the Canterbury Bulldogs, as the club grapples with a mounting injury crisis that has stretched its squad depth.

Coach Michael Maguire is without a long list of key players. Payne Haas is sidelined for 6-8 weeks with a knee injury, while Corey Jensen remains out indefinitely after being hospitalised with a pulmonary embolism.

Kotoni Staggs and Jesse Arthars have also joined the casualty list with foot and leg injuries respectively.

The situation deepens with Reece Walsh, Ben Hunt, Billy Walters and several others still unavailable.

Pat Carrigan is suspended, while Ben Te Kura has stepped away temporarily to pursue an NFL opportunity.

Hooker Cory Paix returns after missing last week's win due to concussion, offering some relief. Even so, Brisbane must call on at least two players outside its top-30 squad to name a 19-man side.

Under standard NRL rules, clubs cannot use players beyond their top 30 until Round 11. However, the governing body is expected to approve an exemption, similar to allowances granted earlier this season.

One likely beneficiary is Preston Riki, a former Penrith Panthers player who joined Brisbane on a train-and-trial deal.

Riki has been playing in the Queensland Cup for Wynnum Manly and was withdrawn from last weekend's match, a move that suggests he is being prepared for a first-grade call-up.

The 24-year-old has three NRL appearances to his name, including a late-season outing for Penrith in 2025, and previously represented the Maori All Stars.

Brisbane are expected to reshuffle across the park. Hayze Perham looms as the likely fullback, with Antonio Verhoeven in the outside backs, while Xavier Willison and Ben Talty shape as starting front-rowers in the absence of Haas and Jensen.