Albert Kelly set for first NRL appearance in seven years

Former Hull KR and Hull FC playmaker Albert Kelly will make his Brisbane Broncos debut this weekend. 

He will replace marquee man Anthony Milford as head coach Kevin Walters opts to name a fifth different half-back pairing in just 11 games.

It was announced last June that Kelly, 30, would depart Super League at the end of the 2020 season to be closer to his family back in Australia.

After being released from his contract with Gold Coast Titans in October 2014, he moved to the UK and spent six seasons in the English game – the first two with Hull KR before joining cross-city rivals Hull FC ahead of the 2017 campaign.

Kelly joined Brisbane on a train-and-trial contract late last year, but was criticised and subsequently removed from pre-season training after gaining weight during his mandatory quarantine period.

However, his form for South Logan Magpies in the Intrust Super Cup has earned him an NRL return, with the Broncos struggling for form having won just two of their opening 10 matches this season.

Former Catalans outside back David Mead is also brought back into the side ahead of Saturday’s visit of Sydney Roosters, with Corey Oates making way.