The Brisbane Broncos have received a monumental boost in their quest to push for an NRL finals boost, with Adam Reynolds reportedly set to return against the Knights this weekend. Reynolds hasn’t played since Round 9 when he ruptured his bicep, and wasn’t expected back until Round 22 in two weeks’ time.
Broncos assistant coach Matt Ballin claimed earlier this week that Reynolds was only named in the reserves because they had to fill all the spots on the list, but it looks as though he’ll be playing on Saturday. Multiple reports state Reynolds will make his return at halfback, while State of Origin players Reece Walsh, Patrick Carrigan and Payne Haas will all back-up. The only Origin player who won’t take the field against the Knights is Selwyn Cobbo.
Broncos hooker Billy Walters revealed on Triple M radio on Thursday that Reynolds only had to get through training on Friday to play. “I think he’s got to get through tomorrow and he’s going to be all good,” he said. “It would be a huge in if he’s in. I think he’s just going to need to strap it up.”
Walsh and Carrigan were both part of the Maroons side that went down to NSW 14-4 in a brutal Game 3 decider at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night. The match was played with a ferocious intensity that’s seen a host of players ruled out for their club sides this weekend.
Blues halfback Mitchell Moses has been ruled out of the rest of the season for the Eels with a ruptured bicep, while NSW teammate Dylan Edwards could be out for a month for Penrith after suffering a knee injury. Cameron Murray and Haumole Olakau’atu have been hit with two-game bans for their roles in a first half scuffle, while a host of other players are also in doubt for round 20 in the NRL.
Maroons forward Carrigan appeared in serious doubt for the Broncos after being pictured leaving Suncorp Stadium in a moon boot after the Origin decider. It’s understood Carrigan injured his ankle in the 10th minute against the Blues, but still battled on and made a whopping 58 tackles and 164 run metres to top both categories for the Queenslanders.
Carrigan was seen limping in the Maroons sheds after the game and the NRL Physio reported there was some swelling in his troublesome ankle. Carrigan left Maroons camp on Thursday morning wearing a compression boot and appeared to be in massive doubt, but is set to play.
Reece Walsh to play for Broncos are bruising Origin clash
Carrigan’s Brisbane teammate Walsh was also a major doubt for his side’s must-win game against Newcastle after a bruising night at the back for the Maroons in Origin 3. Walsh was seen with ice strapped to his side in the Maroons sheds after the game, having suffered bruising on his ribs, hips and thighs after being battered by the Blues for most of the game.
Walsh escaped charge after accidentally collecting Stephen Crichton in the head with his boot as the NSW centre dived for the tryline in the first half. And Brisbane coach Kevin Walters is desperate to have his livewire fullback available as the Broncos attempt to snap a six-game losing streak.
Walters has already come under fire for resting his Origin stars earlier in the season and with the Broncos needing to win six of their last seven games to make the finals, he’ll need as many of his best players as possible. Reynolds has been training with the Broncos this week and was named on an extended bench.
Walters initially said the inspirational skipper was on track for a return in round 22, but with his side’s season on the line, Reynolds will make an earlier return. The 34-year-old completed training on Friday while wearing a brace on his arm.
Walters admitted the veteran halfback would have to get through two full training sessions this week to be included in the must-win match against the Knights, and Ezra Mam admitted he can’t wait to have his halves partner back. “We are not too sure when Reyno’s full return is. We are happy to have him back training with us,” Mam said.
“He is definitely helping and guiding our halves and spine. Having him training is big for our team. When he comes back, we don’t know, but it will be a big impact for us. He has been very sad to miss out and wants to come back as fast as he can. I have missed him on the field, but having said that it has been a good opportunity for myself to step up and take control of the team. It has been a bit of growth for myself and handling the game.”
