The Brisbane Broncos are dealing with huge injury stakes as they enter next week’s (or perhaps the next two weeks’) preliminary finals. The team has been forced to make do in the absence of some big names. They’ve been surviving on the hope of their much-hyped stars returning. After an extremely intense Monday morning practice, the availability of a few players is very much up in the air.
Adam Reynolds, Ezra Mam and Selwyn Cobbo have all been unavailable since injuring themselves in action last month. Collectively, they are referred to as “The Three Hamstring Amigos.” Reynolds and Mam are on their way to turning around their fortunes. SU baseball Their advancement is raising the Orange’s expectation level for their availability during the important games to come.
The Broncos aren’t the only ones facing a crisis. Fifth in Billy Walters might have played his last game of the season, after he went down with an ACL tear in their latest victory over the Raiders. This loss compounds the team’s miseries as they deal with injuries while trying desperately to find the right combination and make a run in the playoffs.
“Reyno at the moment is tracking in the right direction. I will look at the game and how we are moving and doing things. The boys are doing a good job, so it’s a nice place to be as a coach, to have decisions and I will make them moving forward.”
Pat Carrigan’s situation remains precarious. He only stands to lose one week, if he agrees to an early guilty plea—which can often be negotiated down—on a current felony charge. In any case, the Broncos could still choose to contest the ruling. Should they lose at the high court, Carrigan could find himself on the sidelines for the grand final. The team has until 12 noon on Tuesday Australian time to tell the NRL what its decided to do on this issue.
RB XAVIER WILLISON
Willison has looked good with his controlled contact so far in practice after suffering a broken right forearm. While he hasn’t participated in any completely reactive contact so far, his return could provide a huge lift. This would be crucial, particularly if Carrigan suddenly cannot go.
SELWYN COBBO
The rookie has exceeded every expectation. As a consequence, the coaching staff are having to reconsider his inclusion in this Saturday night’s Queensland Cup preliminary final against Wynnum Manly.
What’s been perhaps the more impressive thing is how many different players the Broncos continue to plug into their team. They’ve taken five straight matches after Reynolds and Mam were dropped. Players such as Reece Walsh and Cory Paix have made big impacts, keeping the team competitive during their run.
Ezra Mam showcased his determination during training, working hard and maintaining a positive attitude by singing along to a song in the gym. His commitment embodies the never-give-up attitude of this team as they fight defiance with defiance.
As they assess Cory Paix’s recovery from his arm injury, the Broncos will monitor his training progress closely before making decisions about his return to play. The potential inclusion of Paix alongside a recovered Reynolds and Mam could significantly bolster the team’s chances in the finals.
As they assess Cory Paix’s recovery from his arm injury, the Broncos will monitor his training progress closely before making decisions about his return to play. The potential inclusion of Paix alongside a recovered Reynolds and Mam could significantly bolster the team’s chances in the finals.
