THE Jets run of three rounds with an unchanged line-up has been brought to an end.
Jets fullback Wes Conlon suffered a season-ending knee injury against Central Capras last weekend.
Conlon tore a cruciate ligament and will require a knee reconstruction.
In his place is rookie Brandon McGrady for his Intrust Super Cup debut against Sunshine Coast at Kawana Waters tomorrow afternoon.
McGrady will start on the wing with winger Carlin Anderson moving to fullback.
“He’s been outstanding,” Jets co-coach Ben Walker said of Conlon.
“Both his football ability and his attitude around the boys and what he brings top the club outside his brilliant footy.”
Walker is excited to see what McGrady brings in his welcome to the big time.
The Goondiwindi product has played fullback and five-eighth for the Jets Colts and shown his vast potential.
“He’s a fantastic player,” Walker said. “He’s been ultra impressive and plays well above his weight, a bit like Wes.”
It is not the only change for the Jets, with Chris Walker out after suffering concussion last weekend.
His spot at right centre will be filled by utility Troy O’Sullivan, who has started from the bench in the opening three games.
O’Sullivan’s defence will be vital as the Jets have to shut down Sunshine Coast’s left hand attack.
The Falcons have lost both games this season while the Jets are one of nine teams on four points after two wins from their opening three matches.
But their left hand attack contains a wealth of NRL experience in Melbourne Storm signed five-eighth Ben Hampton, second rower Kenny Bromwich and winger Travis Robinson.
“It’s a good test for Sully,” Walker said. “He can fill in anywhere. The way we play it doesn’t matter where he stands.”
Walker is confident all is well, insisting his team will only get better as others tread water.
“I couldn’t be happier,” he said.
“The way we play we’re continuously getting better.
“We’ve still got a long way to go, which is encouraging, because we’re already putting teams away quickly.”
Daniel Vidot is the other player the Jets will be without after being stood down on compassionate grounds as he tries to resolve his future with the Brisbane Broncos.
Kurtis Lingwoodock returns to the first grade squad for the first time this season in Vidot’s place.
He will be joined in the 17 by forward Josh Seage.
Ipswich Jets line-up: 1 Carlin Anderson, 2 Marmin Barba, 3 Troy O’Sullivan, 4 Nemani Valekapa, 5 Brandon McGrady, 6 Josh Cleeland, 7 Dane Phillips, 8 Kurtis Lingwoodock, 9 Matt Parcell, 10 Rod Griffin, 11 Sam Martin, 12 Kurt Capewell, 13 Keiron Lander (c), 14 Gerico Cecil, 15 Josh Seage, 16 Billy McConnachie, 17 Liam Capewell.