The Broncos have announced Test centre Justin Hodges will be captain for their NRL pre-season clash against North Queensland at Rockhampton on Saturday night.

Named in the Broncos' leadership group this season, Hodges will step up in the absence of the likes of Darren Lockyer, Karmichael Hunt and Tonie Carroll for the Davies Park clash.

Starting a new four-year deal with the Broncos, Hodges will be keen to hit the ground running after his 2007 ended with his withdrawal from the Australian Test team with an ankle injury.

Hodges has made it clear he will shoulder more responsibility in 2008 as the Broncos begin life without internationals Petero Civoniceva, Brad Thorn, Shaun Berrigan, Brent Tate and Dane Carlaw.

Meanwhile, PJ Marsh will make his Broncos debut where he played his maiden first grade clash after being included in the trial.

Marsh hails from the central Queensland town of Blackwater and was discovered by Parramatta playing for the Central Comets in nearby Rockhampton.

"I've got lots of family around there that will be coming," Marsh said.

"It has worked out really good that I will be playing my first game for the Broncos there.

"I know it is only a trial, but it will still be the first time I have worn the Brisbane jersey."

Former Dragons Ashton Sims and Tom Hewitt will also make their Broncos debuts.

Brisbane will boast a monster pack for the clash - apart from Sims, the Broncos forwards include Ben Hannant, another Blackwater product David Taylor and Kiwi international Greg Eastwood.

Four young players from the Comets, which is affiliated with the Broncos, will come off the bench for Brisbane - Brent Williams, Guy Williams, Kam Wilkinson and Nathaniel Bowman.

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