NRL: Young Kiwi in semifinal hot seat

Kiwi rookie Alex Glenn has been given the key halfback role for Brisbane's semifinal against the Storm. Photo / Getty Images

BRISBANE - Rugby league's man in the hot seat, Alex Glenn, has been advised not to overplay his hand by three of the best schemers in the business.

The 21-year-old Kiwis train-on squad member takes over the key No 7 role of injured Brisbane halfback Peter Wallace in Saturday night's NRL preliminary final against Melbourne at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium.

His selection inside Brisbane skipper Darren Lockyer sparked hot debate and claims of a ruse which gained some momentum when he started Wednesday's training at dummy half.

Current Kiwis test captain Benji Marshall, Australian and Queensland Origin No 7 Johnathan Thurston and livewire Titan's scrum utility Preston Campbell said Glenn would be wise to restrict his role against the Storm to runner and distributor whenever Lockyer demanded the football.

While the highly decorated trio generally agreed Brisbane's chances had been hard hit by the loss of Wallace, they believed the solidly-built Glenn only needed to fill a role as occasional kicker and runner with his main priority to get the ball to money man Lockyer.

A former apprentice painter, Glenn has played in 25 of Brisbane's 26 games but never under so much pressure as he will face against the Storm who will do everything possible to test his nerve early.

Marshall, who has played at both halfback and five-eighth, said Lockyer would do most of the running anyway.

"It's a big ask going down to Melbourne without your key playmaker," said Marshall.

"I think Locky will do most of the running of the game and Karmichael (Hunt) might step in a bit as well with Alex Glenn used as a runner."

Marshall said Glenn was a great runner who was also a strong, capable defender.

Thurston, the game's best halfback, said teams needed their best players to win big games and Wallace was a "massive loss".

"But with Locky (Lockyer) and Karmichael (Hunt) outside him all (the new halfback) has to do is direct the boys around and when Locky wants the ball, just give it to him," said the Cowboys skipper.

Campbell was the most positive of the trio, suggesting Glenn would handle the job despite his lack of positional and finals experience.

"To be honest I don't think (Glenn) will go too bad there at halfback," offered Campbell.

"He's got the physique to be able to defend well in the front line and he's good on his feet and he's got good hands.

"The only thing they will miss is Wallace's great general play and kicking but he will have one of the best players in the world (Lockyer) outside him."

Prop Nick Kenny, who was confident Brisbane's forwards could repeat the aggression which shocked minor premiers St George Illawarra last weekend, said Glenn had the players' confidence.

"He's really solid, he tackles great and he's got good ball skills so I'm sure he'll do a great job," said Kenny.

Kenny said Brisbane didn't need to be reminded of last year's last-minute loss to Melbourne which cost them a spot in the grand final.

"It was a really disappointing result and it was painful the way it ended," said Kenny.

"But I wouldn't say we're motivated by that result.

"What we're motivated by is the fact we could be in a grand final next week, that's what's exciting and what's huge and that's what will really spur us on this weekend."

- AAP