Sadly: Broncos favorite star man ruled out for three months
Adam Reynolds’ bicep injury dealt a blow to Brisbane’s postseason prospects, but coach Kevin Walters is still optimistic that the team has enough depth to overcome the setback.
In a terrible night for the Broncos, Reynolds tore his bicep in the team’s 40-18 loss to the Roosters, while Jesse Arthars was sent against the hospital with a broken jaw. As a result, the team will now have to rely on its roster to fill the void.
The nature of Reynolds’ injury won’t be known by the team until after he gets scans, but according to Walters, it may “potentially” finish the season. But three months following surgery is thought to be the window of opportunity for such an accident.
Reynolds is expected to make a comeback following round 21 if his recuperation from surgery proceeds according to plan.
Walters stated that the team had a number of options, including Tristan Sailor and backup halfback Jock Madden as potential substitutes.
Madden is expected to play in Friday night’s away match against Parramatta despite suffering a pectoral injury against Wests Tigers the previous week.
Walters, though, dismissed the idea of Reece Walsh taking a different role.
“We will leave Reece at fullback,” he stated.
“We would prefer for guys to not get injured but it gives us an opportunity to have a really good look at Jock for the next 12 or 14 weeks.”
“I haven’t had an opportunity to discuss Jock’s return with the doctors. He would be a long shot to beat Parramatta.
“There’s no doubt that (Sailor) might help us out there. He is intelligent about football.
“He has been playing at the Queensland Cup, and we have been covering him in the front line. We’ll let the dust settle over the weekend and consider our alternatives.
We possess good depth. The way we performed tonight worries me more. That needs to be fixed. Before the year is over, Jesse Arthars and Adam will both probably return.”
Walters issued a challenge to the group’s other leaders to step up and take Reynolds’ place.
“I think the ownership needs to be spread across the group, with Paddy there, with Reece, with Ezra, and with Billy and Tyson, they all need to step up in that space with Reynolds not there,” Walters stated.
Captain Pat Carrigan concurred.
“Just keep moving forward and man up next. Our club has a lot of depth, so I’m sure that whoever plays there will contribute to the team.
“So, buddy, there’s a football team here. All we need to do is work out a few issues.”
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Why Kevin Walters is adamant that the Broncos can contend for an NRL title even after Adam Reynolds had a bicep injury and the team was humiliated by the Roosters
Adam Reynolds suffered a bicep tear, which puts Brisbane’s chances of challenging for the NRL championship in jeopardy. However, coach Kevin Walters is supporting Jock Madden to step in and take his place.
After suffering an injury in Friday night’s 40-18 loss to the Sydney Roosters, which Walters said might finish the season, Reynolds will get scans on the ailment.
Reputable Brisbane-based physiotherapist Brian Seeney, often known on social media as NRL Physio, stated that, barring complications, a torn biceps surgical recovery typically took 12 weeks.
The 33-year-old conductor of the Broncos, who won the 2014 Premiership, would therefore not be able to play until at least round 21.
The team’s backup half, Madden, had a slight pectoral injury when playing five-eighth against the Wests Tigers in round eight.
According to Walters, Madden is rushing to be ready for Parramatta’s away game on Friday night.
Practicality In the event that former Tigers half Madden is unable to recuperate, Tristan Sailor might be a possibility, but the Broncos are supporting the 24-year-old, who is viewed as Reynolds’ long-term replacement, to step up following the captain’s injury.
Although we would prefer that players stay healthy, this offers us a chance to observe Jock closely over the course of the next 12 to 14 weeks, according to Walters.
“It was a one- to two-week injury, but I haven’t had a chance to discuss Jock’s return with the doctors.” He would be a long shot to beat Parramatta.
“[Sailor] could definitely help us out there.” His football IQ is high.
He has been playing Queensland Cup football, and we have been covering him in the front line. We’ll let the dust settle over the weekend and consider our alternatives.
“We have good depth; I’m confident that Adam and Jesse Arthars will return before the year is out.”
Walters also dismissed the idea of moving fullback Reece Walsh, who struggled in the Roosters match, to the halves.
The coach declared, “We will leave Reece at fullback.”
After playing against the Roosters, Winger Arthars shattered his jaw and had to be hospitalized. The seasoned Corey Oates will take his place.
On Saturday, the struggling Broncos received some positive news: winger Deine Mariner, who had been sin-binned for a late hit on James Tedesco, was spared a suspension.
In the meanwhile, Cameron Murray’s hip flexor injury will keep him out of action for at least six weeks, which is a setback for newly appointed NSW Blues Origin coach Michael Maguire.
The injury was received by the South Sydney captain on Thursday night during his team’s 42-12 loss to the Panthers.
Murray is expected to miss the series’ opening two games.
