Broncos’ woes mount, with Walsh nursing a fracture and Mam out for season

The Broncos have confirmed star fullback Reece Walsh suffered a hand fracture in their win over North Queensland, heaping yet more woe on the side’s disappointing NRL season.

Walsh battled through the injury to play the majority of Saturday’s 42-18 comeback victory, and he had a role in three of his side’s four second-half tries.

Reece Walsh’s heavily strapped hand during the Broncos’ round 23 clash with the North Queensland Cowboys.Credit: Getty Images

“Reece has sustained a metacarpal fracture and we will consult a specialist to determine the next steps,” Broncos head of performance David Ballard said.

Brisbane are yet to determine how long Walsh will be unavailable as a result of the injury.

While his season hasn’t lived up to the Queensland State of Origin fullback’s lofty standards, Walsh’s performance on Saturday showed he remains a key part of his side’s finals ambitions.

The Broncos, on 22 points, are still a shot of making the top eight but will likely need to win their remaining three games after this week’s bye – against Parramatta, the Dolphins and ladder leaders Melbourne.

Reece Walsh contests the ball with the Cowboys’ Jeremiah Nanai, despite nursing a fractured hand.Credit: Getty Images

But their already-slim finals chances were hit by the news of Walsh’s injury, along with confirmation five-eighth Ezra Mam will miss the remainder of the season.

Mam underwent surgery on a syndesmosis injury last week and will spend the next few weeks in rehab in the hopes the diminutive playmaker will be ready for preseason training later in the year, Ballard said.

Star prop Payne Haas (Lisfranc) and hooker Tyson Smoothy (ankle) have both avoided surgery.

“Payne will undergo some further testing in coming days before we can assess when he will return, while Tyson has begun his rehab work in the gym,” Ballard said.

AAP