Impressive young Brisbane prop Josh McGuire has already played three more NRL games than he expected but is not getting carried away by the shock start to his first grade career.

Broncos coach Ivan Henjak handed the 19 year-old former Aspley junior his fourth NRL appearance against Parramatta on Friday after dropping Dave Taylor back to the Queensland Cup to improve his fitness.

"I didn't expect to play NRL at all this year but Ivan has given me an opportunity and I'm just trying to do my best," said the 103kg forward in the mould of former Bronco Alan Cann.

McGuire, who has a lot of agility for his size, has impressed since making a 26-minute debut against the Warriors in Auckland last month.

He's been on the bench for Brisbane's past two wins against the Roosters and Panthers and has retained his place for the game against Parramatta, reeling from stinging criticism from their coach and former greats embarrassed by last week's second half surrender to the Bulldogs.

In a nice touch McGuire, who plays in the toughest position in the game, rolled up for a media interview at the Broncos club on Tuesday with his mother, Karlene.

But there's no suggestion the son of an army sergeant is soft, in fact Henjak says the 19-year-old, who carries the nickname "The Big Show" is quite aggressive.

"Dad doesn't bring army home, he's just dad to me, he treats me and my brothers the same," said McGuire.

"That's my mum over there ... she's pretty proud of me, they're happy for me.

"It's tough playing in the front row, the guys I'm playing against or with have been there a while and I'm just trying to learn my place and do my job when I get out there."

Henjak said Taylor would benefit greatly from playing for the Central Comets in the Queensland Cup at the weekend.

"Dave hasn't lost his ability or his potential," he said.

"It's hard at this level to get the minutes up if you haven't got the miles in your legs and we haven't been able to give Dave the consistent minutes over the last six weeks.

"They are always disappointed when they get dropped, it's never a nice thing, but they have to see what the positive is and for Dave it's getting more game time.

Skilful forward Palmer Wapau, who can play numerous positions, will make his debut against the Eels off the bench.

"I'm really excited about giving Palmer an opportunity he's been going really well in the Queensland Cup," said Henjak.

"He had a few setbacks in the pre-season but he's an exciting talent.

"He plays five-eighth at Redcliffe but he can play in the front row or the back row and he's got some skills and he's quite tough."

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