Broncos Grooming Giant Kiwi Winger

The Brisbane Broncos are grooming a giant New Zealand replacement for code-jumping rugby wingers Wendell Sailor and Lote Tuqiri.

Gary Tupou trained with the Broncos first grade squad for the first time yesterday, indicating a National Rugby League (NRL) debut may not be too far away.

Tupou, who at 108kg and 1.95m is bigger than both Sailor and Tuqiri, played for the Toowoomba Clydesdales, the Broncos' feeder club in the Queensland Cup competition.

He approached coach Wayne Bennett for an opportunity when the Broncos were in Auckland late last year and he was given a trial contract extending until April 30.

A former New Zealand A representative,Tupou impressed for the Clydesdales against Brisbane Norths on February 21 but picked up a knee injury when playing for the Broncos in a pre-season trial match against Melbourne.

He made his return from injury last weekend with a damaging display against Ipswich.

"I hope to talk about extending my contract in a couple of weeks," he said.