Broncos face being without four key players Jordan Riki, Corey Oates, Payne Haas, Ezra Mam

Brisbane has been hit by an injury crisis ahead of Friday night’s blockbuster against South Sydney with the Broncos set to be without four key players.

Jordan Riki (C) is in doubt with a leg injury. Picture: Getty

The Broncos are sweating on the fitness of key back-rower Jordan Riki after losing star trio Corey Oates, Payne Haas and Ezra Mam for Friday night’s blockbuster against South Sydney.

Riki has carried an upper leg injury for several weeks and the Kiwi Test hopeful’s training load was closely monitored by Brisbane trainers at Broncos training on Tuesday.

The Broncos can ill-afford to lose more troops, with Mam and Haas suspended for one week for hip-drop tackles and veteran winger Oates scratched after injuring his knee in his comeback game against the Eels last week.

Riki has played all eight games this season to help Brisbane (7-1) to the top of the league and the Broncos are hopeful the hard-working second-rower will get the green light to take on the Rabbitohs.

It is understood Riki will be named on Wednesday by coach Kevin Walters with a view to a fitness test at Brisbane’s captain’s run on Thursday.

“I think he has a niggling groin and he has played with it the last few weeks,” Broncos teammate Tom Flegler said.

Jordan Riki (C) is in doubt with a leg injury. Picture: Getty

“The coaches will make a call on that later in the week.”

The ultra-reliable Jesse Arthars will replace Oates on Brisbane’s left wing, while Jock Madden is locked in for his Broncos debut in the absence of Mam after running strongly alongside Adam Reynolds in an opposed session.

The 23-year-old played 17 NRL games for Wests Tigers and has been in superb form in the Queensland Cup this season as the playmaking recruit patiently waited for his big break at the Broncos.

“Jock has been really good,” Flegler said.

“He mingles well with the boys.

Corey Oates suffered a broken jaw in round 2. Picture: NRL Photos

“If he gets his call up I am sure he will do us proud. He is obviously different (to Mam).

“Ezra is pretty flashy and Jock is more of a structured player, but we have full confidence in him to do the job.”

On Oates, Broncos head of performance Dave Ballard said: “No surgery is required which is a positive and Oatesy will have at least four weeks of recovery ahead.

“He always works hard during his rehab periods and we will see him back ready to go before too long.”

Originally published as Broncos face being without four key players Jordan Riki, Corey Oates, Payne Haas, Ezra Mam