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BRONCOS bolter Aaron Whitchurch overcame two years of heartache and an ugly contract spat to help launch Wayne Bennett's new era against Souths tomorrow night.
As revealed by couriermail.com.au, Bennett has taken one of the biggest gambles of his 27-year career, naming Whitchurch as his bench utility for Brisbane's showdown with the premiers at Suncorp Stadium.
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Sam Thaiday and Aaron Whitchurch at Red Hill. Picture: Annette Dew Source: News Corp Australia
Eighteen months ago, the 22-year-old was warned by doctors he might never play rugby league again after a spinal operation which saw him cut adrift by the Broncos.
When Whitchurch was thrown a lifeline by Bennett at Newcastle last year, only for the Knights to renege on the deal, he was entitled to fear his NRL career had hit a dead end.
But tomorrow night, Whitchurch is the poster boy for Bennett's Broncos resurrection, ousting Kodi Nikorima for the final spot on Brisbane's interchange bench.
The 100kg powerhouse played the last of his three NRL games in 2012 and has been rewarded by Bennett for fighting back from his medical and contractual sagas.
Whitchurch's manager Sam Ayoub last night detailed the contractual spat that left the former Australian Schoolboy in limbo and considering legal action against the Knights.
Wayne Bennett at Brisbane Broncos training. Picture: Darren England. Source: News Corp Australia
"Wayne was actually keen to sign Aaron to Newcastle," Ayoub told The Courier-Mail.
"Unfortunately, there was a shameful backflip by the officials there, but thankfully Aaron has hung in there and now he has the reward he deserves.
"We'd agreed to terms. Wayne was keen on him, but when we requested the contract to sign, the Knights never sent one.
"His family wanted to seek legal action, but Aaron didn't want that. Thankfully, the planets have aligned and he has been reunited with Wayne at the Broncos."
With his speed and robust frame, Whitchurch is capable of playing wing, centre or back row. He won major credit points during the Broncos' pre-season military camp, where Bennett was impressed with Whitchurch's attitude, leadership and team-first ethos.
As a teenager, Whitchurch was one of Queensland's hottest talents, scoring the Maroons' first ever try in the maiden under-20s State of Origin clash in 2012. But shortly after, he suffered a back injury which cost him a Broncos contract and crippled his career.
Aaron Whitchurch in action for Redcliffe Dolphins. Photo by Andrew Seymour. Source: News Corp Australia
"The doctors told him it was very unlikely he would ever play NRL again," Ayoub said.
"After the operation, he didn't want to risk getting injured again, he was about to get married and was going to focus on a career as a landscaper.
"But Aaron was always a committed kid and we knew he had the ability to bounce back if he was given the opportunity.
"As a junior, he was a standout. There's a saying you never forget how to ride a bike and Aaron never forgot how to play football."
Bennett backed Whitchurch to handle his Souths baptism, saying last night: "He's a great young talent, I'm really pleased for him."
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