THE Ergon Energy Broncos could turn to veteran Redcliffe Dolphins pivot Shane Perry during this year�s State of Origin period if the club is hit by injuries in the halves.

Perry, 28, has been named on the Broncos interchange bench for Saturday�s trial against Canberra in Port Macquarie.

The Broncos have secured Perry�s services as part of a dual registration arrangement with Queensland Cup team Redcliffe.

He made his state league first grade debut for Brothers in 1996 before joining Logan City in 1998 and winning the competition�s player-of-the-year award.

Perry played NRL for Wests in Sydney in 1999 before linking with the Canterbury Bulldogs, where he was a star member of the club�s reserve grade squad in 2000 and 2001.

He returned north to play for Recliffe in 2002.

Perry, who has been training with Brisbane�s NRL squad since December, said he was thrilled to be chosen for Saturday�s trial.

�This whole situation has been a bit unexpected,� he said. �I thought the dual registration arrangement with Redcliffe would be more about providing a pathway for juniors.

�I don�t think I ever gave up hope of getting back to this level. I always thought I had something to offer.�

Perry, a mortgage broker, said Broncos coach Wayne Bennett had discussed playing him during the club�s traditionally taxing origin period.

�Wayne said he would look at using me during that time,� Perry said. �When I came back from Sydney I was a bit disappointed at the lack of opportunities I had in the NRL.

�To think I could get another chance is really encouraging.�

Perry said he was a more intelligent player now than when he was in Sydney and felt he was improving with age.

�I�ve had plenty of good coaches who have helped me along the way and I�ve played with some quality players, especially at Canterbury,� he said.

�I�m a much smarter footballer these days in terms of being able to read a game and take the right options in attack.

�I think I still have another three or four years left in me.�

This article is courtesy of the Courier Mail