EXCLUSIVE: Lockyer lifts lid on bombshell Broncos ploy that could end Bennett's finals dream

Brisbane legend Darren Lockyer has inadvertently spilled the beans on a potential Broncos selection bombshell ahead of this week's blockbuster derby.

The Red Hill club will do battle with the Dolphins on Saturday in a clash where the loser's finals chances will be dead and buried, and the winner's kept alive.

The stakes could not be much higher, and it seems Brisbane coach Kevin Walters could be keeping an ace up his sleeve as he tries to get one over his former mentor Wayne Bennett.

READ MORE: 'Incredible' Kokkinakis stuns Tsitsipas in biggest victory

READ MORE: Aussie considers retirement after wild US Open meltdown

READ MORE: 'Brutal' decision as F1 team fires driver mid-season

Superstar prop Payne Haas has been missing for three weeks due to a foot injury.

Walters surprised the competition on Tuesday by naming the hulking forward in jersey No.22 for the Brisbane derby, despite many believing Haas would not be fit in time.

And while players outside the first 17 generally don't play - and rarely does the 22nd player in the squad - Lockyer revealed Haas is in fact a strong chance of lining up on Saturday.

"If it's an aggressive contest, which it will be, there will be a bit of passion and a bit of meaning in the game... and there's talk Payne Haas might play," Lockyer told Wide World of Sports' QLDER.

When pressed on his knowledge of the situation by fellow legend Wally Lewis, Lockyer responded with a wry smile.

Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now. 

"He trained yesterday (Monday), he ran yesterday, and he's got to get through one more session," he said of Haas.

"We'll see... the thinking was the Melbourne game (next week) - and with Reece (Walsh also injured) - if we're still a chance of playing finals then they might be worth the risk (against the Storm).

"But Payne might be ready to go this week."

The inclusion of Haas would be a major boost for a Broncos team ravaged by injury.

Haas has been the Dally M Prop of the Year four times and has won the club's best and fairest medal five times - twice more than Lockyer did.

Lockyer says even the presence of Haas in the squad will give his teammates a much needed boost ahead of the game.

"He's a player that brings confidence. They come in and just their presence makes a big difference," he said.

"If he's there that is a big in for the Broncs."

A win on Saturday will keep Brisbane's finals hopes alive after what was has been a dismal season for Walters and his men.

They went within a few minutes of winning the premiership last year and are now in danger of missing the post-season altogether.

Likewise, the Dolphins were flying earlier in the season but have fallen off a cliff in recent times.

Lockyer says supercoach Bennett will be desperate to get one over his former club.

"It's a big game," he said.

"I think this is going to be an epic contest. Both teams are desperate for the two points and I think the atmosphere will be big."