Brisbane could be forced to start the NRL season with two 20-year-olds in the front row after prop Joe Ofahengaue was stood down for the opening two rounds.
Ofahengaue was on Friday banned by the club for the two matches, after the Queensland State of Origin forward was disqualified from driving for three months earlier in February.
The 24-year-old was caught sleeping in his car last month, and pleaded guilty to being in charge of a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol level in excess of the legal limit.
“Joe is really disappointed in himself and very remorseful for what he has done,” Broncos chief executive Paul White said.
“As a club, our goal is to set a standard for our players and Joe understands that he must pay a price for his actions that night.
“That price impacts on his teammates as he will miss the opening two rounds of the NRL season – but we know that Joe has learned from his mistake.”
The ban has been approved after consultation with the NRL.
Ofahengaue’s absence comes as a massive blow to Brisbane.
They are already without the injured Matt Lodge, and face the front-row heavy North Queensland in the opening round before South Sydney the following week.
Tom Flegler could likely be elevated to start in the front, after being named in the starting side for Saturday night’s trial against Gold Coast.
With Payne Haas already likely to start, it would mean the Broncos have a pair of 20-year-olds starting at prop.
Teenage rookie Jordan Riki could also come into contention to feature on the bench, if Brisbane are given an allowance to bring him in from their development list.