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Brisbane skipper Patrick Carrigan says Sean O'Sullivan will rise to the challenge of taking the Sydney Roosters, which is his first NRL game in almost a year.

Brisbane skipper Pat Carrigan is backing resilient playmaker Sean O'Sullivan to shine against his former club when the Broncos take on the Sydney Roosters at the SCG on Friday night.

O'Sullivan will play his first NRL game this year after overcoming his third knee reconstruction, with the 22-year-old replacing Anthony Milford who re-injured his hamstring.

Plying his trade at the Roosters under superstar halfback Cooper Cronk, O'Sullivan managed to make his NRL debut before signing with the Broncos.

He was pressuring for a regular first-grade spot before a hamstring injury and then an ACL tear playing in the Queensland Cup a year ago derailed his hopes.

Carrigan predicted O'Sullivan - whose sister is the partner of Brisbane prop Matt Lodge - would make an impact on his return against the back-to-back premiers.

He's highly rated for his kicking game, defence and organising ability.

"It's awesome. I'm obviously pretty close with Seanny and to see what he's endured over the last year to get to first grade over the last six to 12 months..." Carrigan said.

"He was playing really good footy against Cronulla and then he tore a hammy and then he fought his way back to play against Parramatta last year when we won at Suncorp.

"He's a good footy player, he's good value, and he will be excited to be back at the SCG and see some old mate so he will be up for it."

Meanwhile, Carrigan thought out-of-favour halfback Brodie Croft, who has been named on the bench, would force his way back into the starting side.

"His (Croft's) work ethic is second to none and, whilst he would be the first one to tell you he hasn't had the most purple patch of form, I've got every faith in Crofty," the young lock said.

"I think moving forward he's going to play a big role in the team and club and getting to where we hoped to be in the next couple of years."