Brisbane have been urged to cash in on the Beetson-like qualities of exciting prop prospect Dave Taylor.

Old school forward John Barber, who played for NSW in 1971 against the legendary Arthur Beetson, believes the inexperienced but talent-stacked Taylor holds the key to the Broncos' 2009 premiership fortunes.

He also believes, if used correctly in the opening rounds, the hulking 20-year-old forward could burst onto the State of Origin scene as a player Queensland could build future packs around with veteran props Petero Civoniceva and Steve Price in the twilight of their careers.

"I think they're sitting on something special and I think they (Broncos) know it," said Barber who played first grade in Newcastle aged 18.

"With his size and skill he can put the fear of god into the edge defence."

Barber said Beetson was tough enough to pound out the hard yards but played on the edge of the ruck and he sees the same qualities in Taylor.

"He (Beetson) was a big man with a bit of footwork who could unload under pressure," said Barber, qualified to comment on Taylor after coaching the likes of Origin and Test players Wally Fullerton-Smith, Trevor Gillmeister, Bryan Niebling, Steve Walters and Paul Khan.

"Taylor could be the new hero for Brisbane and Queensland fans to hang their hat on.

"There's no doubt in my mind that Locky (Darren Lockyer) will be an immortal in 10 years time but he's not going to be around forever.

"Brisbane have this wonderful backline and will get along when he goes.

"Their problem will be creativity in the forwards because they haven't got it.

"But they've got it with this bloke.

"There's a lot of players out there but ninety-nine per cent can't do what this kid can do."

Barber said with his "Beetson like" abilities with the ball, Taylor should be heavily involved in plays when Brisbane attack the line.

"If he can poke his head through the line a few times and lay on a couple of passes that lead to tries he'll win them some games," he said.

"If he can offload a ball off the ground to Karmichael Hunt for a try, then that's how they should use him."

Barber said Brisbane had to be prepared to accept a few errors in Taylor's game.

Taylor, from Blackwater, has been Brisbane's "boom" player for the past two seasons.

He was something of a "problem child" for former coach Wayne Bennett who wanted to see changes in his attitude despite constant calls to play him more.

Former NSW and Australia Test prop Steve Roach was so taken by his talents last season he called on the Broncos to sign the youngster for life.

But Brisbane took a gamble and signed him to a one year deal until the end of 2009.

With Origin prop Ben Hannant joining the Bulldogs Taylor will get an opportunity under incoming coach Ivan Henjak to realise his potential.

Henjak is certain to unleash the 115kg prop early with Brisbane facing a daunting start to 2009 with opening clashes with the Cowboys, Melbourne, Warriors and St George Illawarra, now coached by Bennett.

Meanwhile Justin Hodges is set to return to training tomorrow following six weeks of soul searching.

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