Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam in brutal double blow for Broncos after NRL win
The Broncos halfback aggravated a previous knee injury in the win against Souths.
The Broncos have their first win of the season but at what cost, with Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam both picking up injuries in their side's 28-18 win over Souths Sydney. Reynolds aggravated a knee injury he carried into the game and was forced off late in the match after limping through the majority of the second half.
The halfback will have scans on Friday to determine the extent of the injury and determine if he can take the field against Penrith in a grand final rematch at BlueBet Stadium. Reynolds injured his knee in the Las Vegas round-one loss to Sydney Roosters.
After undergoing rehab Reynolds said he was feeling good at the start of the match against his former club before aggravating the injury in a tackle. "Just stirred up what was already there," Reynolds said after the match.
"It's pretty sore. Felt OK during the game. Felt a little bit before half time, and thought it’d be right to get back out there, but sort of hurted in that tackle. The plan is to get a scan in the morning. It’s just a knee injury. It’s nothing. Not too serious." When pressed if it was a medial injury Reynolds replied: "It is along those lines."
In another worry for the Broncos, Mam was seen clutching his shoulder late in the second half but finished the game on the field. The five-eighth seemed to shrug off the injury at the end of the game, with Brisbane hopeful that he and Reynolds will not be set for a stint on the sidelines. If either can't play the Panthers, 24-year-old back-up half Jock Madden - who filled in for five games last year when Reynolds or five-eighth Ezra Mam were unavailable - will likely step in to fill the void.
Kevin Walters says Broncos must play better if they are to beat Penrith
Brisbane coach Kevin Walters was happy to get the first win on the board after his side's round two victory over the Bunnies but admitted post-match that the performance was far from perfect. Walters said his side would have to take it up a gear or two if they are to avenge their grand final defeat to the Panthers when the sides go toe-to-toe in round three.
"We were a long way off where we need to be and so were Souths to be fair but there were some things to like with some individual players," Walters said. "As a team, we aren't quite nailing it ... yet. I am just happy we won because you need to win this time of year just to breathe."
Deine Mariner shines as Corey Oates' chances of an NRL recall fade away
Broncos winger Deine Mariner took over from Corey Oates when the veteran winger was out injured and quickly made the No.5 jersey his own. On Thursday night he showcased the rapid speed that has seen him hold onto the spot in the side over a fit-again Oates, scoring a double in the Broncos' ten-point win over Souths.
Arthars, Selwyn Cobbo and Mariner are all currently preferred to Oates, who suddenly become on the outer despite starring for Queensland in their State of Origin series win less than two years ago. Walters' attacking brand of football revolves largely around speed and has led to the lanky winger falling out of favour.
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Earlier this week James Hooper told NRL 360 that Oates' lack of speed is the reason he is on the outer. "Kevvie has gone on the record several times and said I've told Corey what the issue is and it's speed," Hooper said. "Arthars and Mariner are lighting quick. Cobbo has switched to the centres. Where are you going to fit Oates in the starting side?"
with AAP
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