Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters has recently updated the status of two key players, Ezra Mam and Payne Haas, ahead of their upcoming match against the North Queensland Cowboys. Both players were unable to finish the game against the Gold Coast Titans last Saturday, which ended in a heavy defeat for the Broncos. This result has added to concerns about their availability for the rest of the season.
Tyson Smoothy, a backup dummy half, also suffered an injury while playing for the Souths Logan Magpies in the Queensland Cup. Smoothy sustained an ankle injury, and while he has undergone scans, the extent of the damage is still unclear.
Regarding Haas and Mam, Walters provided a cautious update. He indicated that Mam, the five-eighth, is “possibly done” for the season, suggesting that his return this year is unlikely. However, there is a glimmer of hope for Haas, who plays as a prop. Walters confirmed that Haas will not require surgery for his Lisfranc injury, which improves his chances of returning before the season concludes. Walters noted, “Payne isn’t having surgery so he’s more than likely (to play again),” and added a hopeful note about Mam, stating, “Ezra is possibly done. Miracles happen.”
The Broncos are currently in a challenging position, having lost eight of their last nine matches. To make the finals, they would need to win all four of their remaining games. Their upcoming fixtures include a match against the North Queensland Cowboys on Saturday afternoon, followed by a bye. After the break, they will face the Parramatta Eels, Dolphins, and Melbourne Storm to finish their season. No late changes are expected for their game against the Cowboys.
On the other side, Cowboys coach Todd Payten has confirmed that his team will likely stick with their original line-up for the upcoming match. Both Heilum Luki, who has been dealing with a hamstring issue, and Reuben Cotter, who suffered a concussion, are expected to play. Payten noted that Cotter has recovered well, with no symptoms following his concussion, which allowed him to be cleared by the independent specialist. Payten expressed confidence in Cotter’s readiness, saying, “He’s super excited, he knows and has experienced what these games mean to our club.”
