NRL Casualty Ward: Big Broncos boost as stars cleared of season-ending injuries

Kevin Walters had good news to deliver on the injury front, with three Broncos stars eyeing early returns.

Brisbane Broncos training at Red Hill - Coach Kevin Walters, Monday, May 15, 2023 - Picture: Richard Walker

Brisbane’s premiership hopes have received a huge boost with key trio Jordan Riki, Tom Flegler and Kurt Capewell cleared of season-ending injuries.

Capewell has been sidelined with a quadriceps problem, while there were fears Riki and Flegler might not be seen again this season after suffering Lisfranc foot injuries in Brisbane’s loss to the Titans last Sunday.

But ahead of Brisbane’s round 18 derby with the Dolphins on Saturday night at the Gabba, Broncos coach Kevin Walters insists the triumvirate will be back in action this season — possibly before the finals.

Brisbane Broncos training at Red Hill - Coach Kevin Walters, Monday, May 15, 2023 - Picture: Richard Walker

Vice-captain Capewell is slated to return for Brisbane’s round 21 game against Souths on July 21, while Walters is hopeful back-rower Riki and Origin prop Flegler will be on deck within two months.

Lisfranc injuries can often require a four-to-five month recovery, so the early return of Flegler and Riki would be a massive boon for the Broncos in their quest to break a 17-year premiership drought.

“We are thinking Tom Flegler will be out for four to six weeks and Jordan Riki about six to eight weeks,” Walters said.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 25: Tom Flegler of the Broncos looks to take on the defence of Joe Stimson of the Titans during the round 17 NRL match between Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium on June 25, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

“It’s a bit of an extended period for both but we are fortunate over the next few weeks we have some byes and some rest periods, so they won’t miss as many games as we thought.

“We will also have ‘Capes’ coming back after the Bulldogs (round 20) game, so there is plenty of depth at the Broncos and we knew that situation at the start of the year.

“It’s a whole-of-squad mentality and the young guys get a good opportunity to present their case while they are in the team.”

Originally published as NRL Casualty Ward: Big Broncos boost as stars cleared of season-ending injuries