The Brisbane Broncos welcome back their missing link for Friday night’s blockbuster against the Melbourne Storm with hooker Andrew McCullough returning from a broken thumb.

Brisbane have struggled in his absence and will slot straight back in for a showdown with Storm legend Cameron Smith.

“He’s been really good for us so we needed him back as soon as possible,” Broncos half Anthony Milford said.

“Over the past 18 months he’s been such an important part of the side.

“He helps a lot of our forwards and directs us around the park.

“‘Macca will be a huge part of our year moving forward.”