With defenders Rory Thompson and Trent McKenzie both to miss this weekend’s QClash with injury, a SUNS back six bursting with synergy after several weeks of playing together will face major interruption for the first time this year.

But with their absence comes individual opportunity and backup talls Keegan Brooksby, Jack Leslie and Henry Schade are all putting their hands up for senior selection in round four.

Vice-captain Steven May hopes whoever replaces the duo will emulate some of the Gold Coast midfielders from last year who are now thriving courtesy of the increased exposure at the top level.

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“I think it’s a great opportunity for the boys who have been pushing their case in the reserves,” May told reporters at Metricon Stadium on Tuesday.

“We saw last year with a few of our midfielders, Aaron Hall for example, Alex Sexton, Jesse Lonergan really took the opportunity so it’s the next man up mentality.

“Hopefully the injuries aren’t too long and the boys that come in take the opportunity and get some great experience out of it.”

May admitted there is minor concern at the quality of cattle dropping out of the side, but is confident in their replacements given they train as part of the same unit week in, week out.

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“I guess it is a concern because they’re really good players that we’re losing,” May said.

“But we train together at training, there’s at least 12 of us. So it’s not like they’re fresh out of nowhere.

“They’re doing the same structures in the reserves so we’re confident that when they come in they’ll be able to replace those boys.”