Rugby Unions on both sides of the globe should send the Brisbane Broncos a thank-you note, according to coach Wayne Bennett, who says the success of code-swappers Israel Folau, Ben Te'o and Karmichael Hunt can be traced back to their time at the NRL powerhouse.

The Broncos could have three of their former players in action at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night, with Folau a certainty for the Wallabies and Hunt a chance to earn his first cap at centre or from the bench.

England could unleash former NRL forward Te'o as well after he switched codes in the wake of South Sydney's 2014 premiership victory, making it a hat-trick of converts that have made their way to Test rugby from Red Hill.

Rugby has poured vast sums into the recruitment of Folau and then Hunt, who went to the 15-man code via a stint with the AFL's Gold Coast Suns. Folau has become one of the game's genuine stars, while Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has high hopes for Hunt.