Brisbane Faces Major Injuries
Brisbane have faced a significant setback as two of their key players, Reece Walsh and Ben Hunt, are set to miss crucial games due to injuries. This comes after a tough match against the Gold Coast, where the team emerged victorious but at a high cost.
Reece Walsh, the star fullback, is scheduled to undergo surgery for a facial fracture sustained during the game. He has been hospitalised and is expected to be out for between four and six weeks. Walsh shared some videos on social media showing his use of a pain-relieving green whistle, highlighting the severity of his injury. With this news, Walsh is now in a race to recover in time for State of Origin I for Queensland, a major event that could see him playing a pivotal role.
In addition to Walsh’s injury, Ben Hunt is also dealing with a serious knee issue. Scans revealed that Hunt suffered a grade-three medial ligament tear during the first half of the game. Despite the injury, he continued to play the rest of the match, showcasing his determination. However, he is expected to miss up to eight weeks, which is a significant blow for the team.
Additional Concerns for the Broncos
The situation for the Broncos is further complicated by the injury to halfback Adam Reynolds. Reynolds experienced adductor pain after only 25 minutes of play in the recent match. While his injury is not considered severe, the club may take a cautious approach given that Reynolds is 35 years old and in the final year of his career.
If Reynolds is unable to play in the upcoming clash against North Queensland, Tom Duffy could make his debut for the club at No.7. This would be a big opportunity for Duffy, especially considering that Hunt will also be out of action.
Potential Lineup Changes
Coach Michael Maguire indicated on Saturday night that the club might replace Walsh with either Jesse Arthars or Hayze Perham at the back. Arthars, who played his first NRL match of the season against the Titans, was brought into the lineup after regular winger Josiah Karapani was dropped for disciplinary reasons.
Arthars, although primarily a winger, demonstrated strong performance at No.1 after Walsh left the field. “I haven’t played there too much, but I have done a lot of reps at fullback over the years,” Arthars said. “This year as well, just in case anything was to happen.”
He expressed his willingness to take on the role if needed. “Unfortunately Reece has got injured. If they want me to play No.1 I will be happy to do it. It just comes down to the practice I have done and I am confident to play there.”
Hunt praised Arthars’ capabilities as a defensive fullback. “Jesse is an excellent defensive fullback and really good at organising our numbers,” Hunt said. “He works really hard and is a ball runner out the back.”
Potential Replacement: Hayze Perham
Hayze Perham, who has previously played with the Warriors, Parramatta, and Canterbury, missed last season due to an ACL rupture. However, he has been performing well at No.1 with Souths Logan Magpies in the Queensland Cup.
Arthars believes Perham is capable of taking on the role if called upon. “Hayze has been through a fair bit with an ACL last year, which was really tough for him,” Arthars said. “I have seen him come back from that because I am in the same feeder team as him. He has been going really well. If Hayze goes there to fullback I have full faith in him.”
