Brisbane Broncos

It didn’t come easy for the Broncos who eventually found their rhythm in the second half after trailing 12-6 at the break.

“It was everything we expected today. We knew the Hunters were going to come out firing and be physical through the middle and as you saw the result in the first half, they didn’t stop putting pressure on us and they were getting a lot of momentum.

“We had to regroup in the second half and go over our processes and make sure that we weren’t handing over the possession that we were at half time.”

The 14, 697 fans were treated to an action packed 80 minutes of football from both sides.

However it was the Broncos who prevailed keeping the Hunters scoreless to run in four tries through captain Alex Glenn, Korbin Sims, Jordan Kahu and Corey Oates.

Hundreds lined up at the car park and on the road at Jackson’s International Airport to welcome their heroes.

Supporters chanted their names and chased after the team buses that were escorted out by police.

A press conference for the SP Hunters and Brisbane Broncos will be held this afternoon at Stanley Hotel.

Milford will make a return from shoulder surgery off the bench in the match in Port Moresby.

Sam Scarlett will start in the halves alongside Kodi Nikorima, with Milford to join the fray at some stage of the game against the Intrust Super Cup champions of last year.

BRONCOS TEAM TO PLAY PNG HUNTERS

Saturday, 3.30pm (PNG time)

1. Jamayne Isaako

2. Jonus Pearson

3. James Roberts

4. Tom Opacic

5. Jordan Kahu

6. Sam Scarlett

7. Kodi Nikorima

8. Matt Lodge

9. Todd Murphy

This was announced by coach Michael Marum this afternoon after training.

“At the moment, I feel really humbled to take the place of Ase Boas.

“I know it’s a really big shoe to fill.

“I’m going to do what I can do to lead the boys around the park.”

The classy fullback said preparations have gone well. 

"We’re just keeping the atmosphere in camp relaxed and composed.

“We’re all relaxed at the moment and concentrating on taking training one day at a time and know the game will take care of itself.”

The Broncos announced the retention of Roberts to a long-term deal on Thursday morning that not only provides stability for the oft-troubled right centre but gives Brisbane try-scoring potency they believe can help break their 11-year premiership drought.

"The club is proud of the support we have shown James, but also the responsibility he has taken on to earn this new contract," said Broncos CEO Paul White.

"The long-term nature of the contract is a show of faith by the Broncos in James, but also by James in the Broncos."

Milford passed his fitness test on Friday morning and it means he will play his first match since dislocating his shoulder against the Sydney Roosters in Round 13. 

He will start with Ben Hunt in the halves, with Benji Marshall going back to the bench and Kodi Nikorima dropping out of the 17. 

 Asked if it was a risk to bring Milford back earlier than expected, coach Wayne Bennett said no extra damage could be caused to his shoulder as it already requires surgery at season's end. 

Oates is being treated with antibiotics having complained of pain in his hips and lower body before his withdrawal from the Storm clash in Brisbane.

"He's doing well and taking it day-by-day with his treatment. The pain is under control now and it is a relief that we know what the problem is," Broncos chief executive Paul White said in a statement.

Photo by: NRL Photos.Brisbane winger Corey Oates. 

Milford left the field eight minutes from full-time after landing awkwardly in an attempt to dive on a loose ball.

The 22-year-old immediately clutched at his left shoulder, with trainers rushing to his aid and escorting him to the dressing sheds. 

Without seven frontline players - six away on State of Origin duty with Queensland and hooker Andrew McCullough out with concussion - coach Wayne Bennett has called upon a number of youngsters and players outside of his first-choice 17.

But Warriors standoff Kieran Foran said there was no chance his side would allow complacency to creep into their game, following back-to-back defeats which has seen them drop to 14th on the ladder.