Struggling Brisbane will face Penrith in a grand-final rematch with five key forwards unavailable as three critical games approach. Despite these setbacks, coach Kevin Walters remains optimistic about a top-eight finish.
The Broncos, currently in ninth place after four straight losses, will host the Panthers on Friday night without props Ben Te Kura (foot) and Fletcher Baker (knee). Second-rowers Jordan Riki (suspended), Jayden Hunt (hand), and Jack Gosiewski (arm) are also out.
Gosiewski broke his arm in Saturday’s 32-16 loss to the Warriors, sidelining him for up to eight weeks, while Baker will undergo scans for a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury.
The Broncos will see the return of State of Origin trio Payne Haas (prop), Patrick Carrigan (lock), and Reece Walsh (fullback) for the crucial match.
Out of their top 30 squad, the Broncos have just seven middle and edge forwards available for selection this week. Prop Corey Jensen, versatile Kobe Hetherington, second-rower Brendan Piakura, giant in-form tyro Xavier Willison, veteran Martin Taupau, and the two returning Origin forwards are ready to play.
The Broncos will host St George-Illawarra in round 19 without their Origin players and then face a challenging road trip to Newcastle three days after the State of Origin decider.
Riki will return for the Dragons clash, but the Broncos will still be short-handed for that round-19 game. Walters faced criticism for resting the Origin trio against the Warriors.
“I think it is a really smart decision,” Walters said. “There’s still nine rounds left in the competition. They’ve still got to get through another Origin game yet. I’m just looking after them and putting them first. We know if they get through this period it’s full steam ahead. We did the same thing last year. Didn’t seem to bother anyone too much last year. No one noticed. Funny that.”
The Broncos were in the top two last year, but Walters may not have the luxury to rest Origin players against the Knights as the team aims for six wins from their last nine games to make the top eight.
The injuries to Gosiewski and Baker are particularly untimely.
“It does affect your depth,” Walters said. “That’s probably the most concerning thing from the (Warriors) game is two more long-term injuries. So it does make a difference.”
Despite the challenges, Walters remains confident about making the finals.
“Yeah, definitely,” he said. “If you have a good look at the table there are a few teams like us behind the leaders and all in the race. I expect us to get ourselves together sooner rather than later with some really strong performances leading into the finals.”
Taupau provided a boost for the team with his best game of the year against the Warriors, running for 161m and making 23 tackles without any misses.
