They're Brisbane's "TSI Twins" - one having played for Queensland and Australia the other making his NRL debut at 26.

Sam Thaiday and secret weapon Palmer Wapau - both Torres Strait Island natives - will join forces at some stage against Parramatta on Friday night.

Thaiday is already a household name in Queensland and in PNG, having played 88 NRL games, six State of Origins and two Tests.

Wapau, from Weipa on the Cape York coast, will be making his NRL debut.

Unlike the wise-cracking Thaiday, Wapau is shy and retiring.

He's been plucked from the Queensland Cup following some eye-catching form for Redcliffe.

Wapau managed to stay under the media's radar this week after Henjak promoted him to his 17-man squad.

"We're not expecting anything special from Palmer," Henjak said on Thursday.

"I'd like him to get into the game early, make sure he doesn't make any mistakes and show some enthusiasm off the bench.

"He's kept pretty quiet (this week). He doesn't answer his phone too much. He won't even answer my calls."

Thaiday, who is from Yam Island, said Wapau's promotion to the NRL would be a big boost to the Torres Strait Island community.

"Having us playing in the NRL is great. The more boys that play from up there the better," he said.

"They see us playing and they all aspire to play in the NRL."

Wapau, who works part-time as a groundsman for the Redcliffe club, went to school at Abergowrie and was good friends with North Queensland Cowboys fullback Matt Bowen before moving to Brisbane.

"He's a real quiet bloke who won't say too much but I know deep down he's ready to explode," said Thaiday.

"He's a bit of a freak. He plays five-eighth for Redcliffe, he's an exceptional player.

"He probably would have played last year if he wasn't injured around Origin time so it's a good reward for him."

Wapau's teammates revealed the 108kg utility had his own bunk bed in Brisbane's Red Hill training complex.

"He's got a special (bunk) made just for him for `island time' as we call it," joked Henjak after training.

Wapau, though, had the last word.

"I never really thought I'd play this level. It's still a big shock," he said.

"It didn't even cross my mind I'd be down here training and playing with Locky (Darren Lockyer) and stuff like that."

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