Broncos enigma Dave Taylor has scored an unexpected opportunity to push his NRL finals case after being called into Brisbane's side as an 11th hour replacement for utility David Stagg against Canberra on Sunday.

Stagg, who copped a head knock in Brisbane's 18-12 win over Cronulla last weekend suffered a relapse on Thursday and a decision was made to promote Taylor.

"Staggy had a bit of an ordinary day at training on Thursday. He had a bit of a relapse from the concussion he'd had the week before and we thought it was better he have a week off, said assistant coach Ivan Henjak.

"They're two different types of players but Dave (Taylor) will certainly add his stamp to the game."

Taylor, who turned 20 last month, burst on to the NRL scene last year and was touted in some circles as an up-and-coming Origin player.

But a frustrating season has seen the 115kg prop demoted to the Queensland Cup a few times and left him with some issues to address.

Coach Wayne Bennett wants an increased work ethic from the front-rower and a shift in attitude if he's to feature in Brisbane's 17th straight finals campaign.

Henjak, a former Canberra halfback, said the Raiders were a big side with a lot of off loads and plenty of points in them.

"We talked about them this morning and they've virtually blown every team off the park early in those game when they win," he said.

"Some of those teams have been top four teams so they're confidence is up.

"It's a good time for us to step up to the mark.

"We're playing at home on a Sunday afternoon, it will be conducive to good footy which the boys are excited about and we're playing a team that has got a lot of football in them.

"I think you going to see a really good open brand of football."

Centre Justin Hodges, who trained for the first time on Saturday, has a big task up against Raiders rival Col Best who has been in a try scoring mood in recent weeks.

"That's going to be a real challenge for Hodgo," said Henjak.

"I think Wayne (Bennett) has thrown out that little bit of a challenge for him with Colin going really well.

Canberra have recalled former Bronco Tom Learoyd-Lars from feeder club Souths-Logan to replace Scott Logan while inspirational captain Alan Tongue has been passed fit after being in doubt with a knee injury.

Henjak said Brisbane are still aiming for a top four finish.

"The boys are starting to warm to the task a little bit and I've seen a change to their attitude since the third Origin.

"We're just starting to see a lift in intensity and the signs are there we can certainly get there if we get the opportunity with the top teams knocking each other off."

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