Selwyn Cobbo made a compelling case for a Queensland recall with a stunning display at fullback in Brisbane's 13-12 win over Manly.
A field goal by half Jock Madden in the 76th minute sealed the deal.
With regular fullback Reece Walsh out with injury, Cobbo switched from centre to No.1 and was in scintillating form on Friday night in front of a sold-out Magic Round crowd of 50,971 at Suncorp Stadium.
The 21-year-old made three line-breaks and 11 tackle busts and ignited the Broncos attack from the back with his power and speed.
His positional play was also first-class.
Cobbo has represented the Maroons in State of Origin on the wing, where he played all of his club football in 2023.
The Broncos switched him to centre this year and he has made a seamless transition.
Cobbo's proven versatility makes him a more appealing prospect in Origin. He played the first game of last year's series, before a hip injury kept him out of the rest of the campaign.
The Sea Eagles had 65 per cent of the territory in the first half, when Brisbane's goal-line defence was superb.
The Broncos led 12-0 at halftime, but Manly hit back when centre Reuben Garrick scored after what appeared to be a forward pass from back-rower Haumole Olakau'atu.
When giant winger Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega crashed over it was 12-all before Madden stepped up.
Brisbane prop Payne Haas limped off with an injury to his left big toe and was assisted from the field in the 60th minute when the Broncos led 12-6. He returned 14 minutes later in a massive boost to the NSW Blues
Earlier Madden threw a delightful pass for second-rower Brendan Piakura to hit a hole and score.
The Sea Eagles lost prop Taniela Paseka to the sin bin and the Broncos made them pay.
It was his halves partner Ezra Mam who stepped up with a skilful double-pump to send electric winger Deine Mariner over.
Blake Mozer, Brisbane's highly rated 20-year-old hooker, came off the bench in the 34th minute and put two massive hits on Sea Eagles forwards Matt Lodge and Ben Trbojevic, which dislodged the ball.