Versatile Tyson Smoothy has edged out rookie cult hero Ben Talty for a bench spot in the NRL grand final against Melbourne, as Ezra Mam retains his No.14 position.

Test forward Pat Carrigan returns from suspension at lock, where Smoothy started last week in the 16-14 preliminary-final win over Penrith.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire has resisted the temptation to start 2023 grand-final hat-trick magician Mam at five-eighth after he returned from a seven-week hamstring lay-off last week in the win over the Panthers.

Ben Hunt has retained his No.6 position in the named side while Cory Paix stays at No.9.

Smoothy, 26, played in the 2023 grand-final loss to the Panthers and does offer more cover for Maguire. A hooker by trade, he can also play as a middle forward.

It was a tough call for

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