Rampaging Brisbane backrower Ben Te'o has saved coach Anthony Griffin a tough decision by offering to play Friday night's NRL grand final qualifier against Manly off the bench.

While the Broncos biggest concern centres on captain Darren Lockyer's cheekbone injury, Griffin will have to re-organise his starting pack to accommodate Sam Thaiday's return from suspension.

The rookie coach conceded after Te'o's starring role in Brisbane's nail-biting 13-12 golden point semi-final win over St George Illawarra on Saturday night, that he faced a tough call on who to drop to cater for Thaiday, given young front rower Josh McGuire has also been outstanding.

But Te'o, who has had a wretched season, breaking his forearm twice, volunteered to make room for Thaiday.

"Sam's been there all year, doing the job and playing big minutes with Alex (Glenn)," said Te'o who has lost 18 weeks this season to injury.

"When Matt (Gillett) and I were injured, those two guys carried us through the middle part of the season.

"Sam deserves his spot and I always said when I came back from like 18 weeks that if I could slot somewhere in this team, I'd be happy.

"I'm not coming in here asking for any starting spot, I just want to contribute."

Te'o couldn't recall being involved in a more exciting or tense finish to a game than Friday night's thriller in front of more than 48,000 electrified fans.

"It wasn't all that enjoyable to be honest when they (Dragons) scored and it was going into golden point," said Te'o who scored the first of Brisbane's two tries.

"I honestly thought Wal (Peter Wallace) was going to take the kick because he's been pretty successful but Darren stepped up and got it.

"It (kick) just got over and then we all lose it.

"It was a pretty intense, emotional moment because Locky had copped a bad knock but got up and kicked it.

"It was pretty inspiring stuff."

Centre Justin Hodges, who went into the clash under an injury cloud with a tight hamstring, took two big hit-ups to get Brisbane in a good position to take a field goal shot.

Lockyer's flat, "ugly" kick skimmed over the bar - just.

"Those high pressure moments ... I think Locky loves taking on the challenge," Te'o said.

Te'o admitted there were times during a testing season where he thought it was all over after twice breaking his arm.

"I remember training by myself with Tony Guilfoyle and him assuring me the time would come when I was going to be needed," he said.

"These are special moments for me to be playing in the finals and running off Darren Lockyer."

Brisbane's young players were outstanding again against a Dragons side which found its defensive mojo and which almost pulled off the second major upset of the weekend after the Warriors eliminated Wests Tigers on Friday night.

"I don't think they have any fear," said Te'o.

"Guys like Gerard Beale bringing the ball back at speed; guys like Dale Copley called up from under 20s and really stepping up.

"I think Hook (Griffin) gives them a lot of confidence, the way he talks to them during the week and sets them goals.

"He takes a lot of pressure off them and lets them play their game."

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