Josh McGuire leaves Broncos training early ahead of crunch clash with Roosters

LOCK Josh McGuire walked off the training field just five minutes into the session following a discussion with coach Wayne Bennett.

Josh McGuire is tackled during a Brisbane Broncos training session at Red Hill in Brisbane, Wednesday, August 15, 2018. (AAP Image/Albert Perez) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

BRONCOS lock Josh McGuire has been struck down by a virus which has threatened to hijack Brisbane’s push to secure a home final.

McGuire disappeared from a training session at Red Hill after about five minutes following a discussion with coach Wayne Bennett.

Josh McGuire left Broncos training after just five minutes. Picture: AAP

The Test and Origin star walked off the training paddock and did not return as the Broncos attempted to freshen up by playing a game of Australian rules football.

The Broncos face the second-placed Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night in a match which could have big implications for the make-up of the top eight.

Sitting seventh on the ladder, Brisbane must win their remaining two games to have any hope of sneaking into fifth or sixth spot to secure a Suncorp Stadium final in week one of the play-offs.

Josh McGuire’s availability for Brisbane’s clash with the Roosters is unclear. Picture: /Getty Images

Bennett, himself sick a week ago, said McGuire was struggling with a virus which had run through the squad.

“He’s got a virus, we’ve all had it,” Bennett said.

“They will all be fine (for the game).”

McGuire was joined off the field by centre Jordan Kahu, who was sporting a sore knee after last Thursday’s crucial win against the Rabbitohs.

Kahu was replaced at left centre by young Englishman Herbie Farnworth, however he is not expected to be in contention to face the Roosters.

Herbie Farnworth trained in relief of Kahu. AAP Image/Darren England.

If the Broncos beat the Roosters, they could potentially face the struggling Sea Eagles at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday week for a shot at a home final.

“It’s funny how it works,” Broncos hooker Andrew McCullough said.

“You try to get some wins together and you can find yourselves back up the top of the ladder.

“We haven’t done that particularly well throughout the year, but to get a good win at this time of the year against a good team will give us some confidence.

“The key for us is to back it up against another quality side at the top of the ladder.

“It’s another challenge in itself and puts us in good stead to see where we’re at.”