The Brisbane Broncos face a tricky fortnight as they sweat over the fitness of halfback Adam Reynolds.
Reynolds sustained a calf injury during a training session mid-week which has ruled him out for Brisbane’s Round 26 clash against the Canberra Raiders in the nation’s capital.
The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio is concerned that losing an influential player on the eve of the finals could derail Brisbane’s preparations.
“I’m nervous about this for the Brisbane Broncos,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Let’s just say Brisbane get rolled this weekend against Canberra, they then go and play the Melbourne Storm who have historically got an immense record against the Broncos.
“This high flying Broncos side are suddenly (in danger) and keep in mind, they have just had the bye.
“They haven’t played many matches in the past month and if you throw in two losses going into a finals series, plus question marks of Adam Reynolds’ calf, I’m a little bit concerned.
“I’m concerned about the confidence levels and the mentality of this extraordinary Broncos side going into the finals.
“It’s a delicate balancing act for (coach) Kevin Walters over the next two weeks.”
The Broncos sit equal first on points with the Penrith Panthers and are still a strong chance to claim their first minor premiership since 2000.
SEN’s Andrew Voss believes the Broncos can’t win the premiership without Reynolds and it further confirmed his belief that Penrith will complete the three-peat.
“With Adam Reynolds, if you think back to the 2021 Grand Final,” Voss said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“He missed the conversion from the sideline against Penrith.
“He had had the leg injury going into that Grand Final and he hadn’t done a lot of goal kicking practice.
“With a calf injury, I’m assuming not a lot of goal kicking practice either.
“History could repeat that Reynolds comes up with a big kick (in a final) and he hasn’t been able to put the work in the legs.
“I’m even more confident now that Penrith will win the competition.”