NRL 2021: Brisbane Broncos’ forward crisis as Thomas Flegler faces ban

Can the last forward out of Red Hill please turn the lights out? That’s what it feels like for the Broncos as they struggle to put a team together.

Thomas Flegler sent to the sin bin for a hit on Isaah Yeo. Picture: NRL Images

The Broncos dwindling forward stocks are set for another blow with Tom Flegler facing a three week ban for his high shot on Penrith forward Isaah Yeo.

The 21-year-old was on Sunday charged with a grade three careless high tackle, which left the Penrith forward in such a state he was unable to return to the field after failing his HIA.

Flegler will miss the next two games if he accepts the early guilty plea. However if he decides to fight the charge, he risks being out for three games.

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Thomas Flegler sent to the sin bin for a hit on Isaah Yeo. Picture: NRL Images

Flegler was sin-binned for the offence and some observers feel he was lucky not to have been sent off given the game’s sensitivity to high shots this season.

The absence of Flegler is a blow to the Broncos given experienced forwards Tevita Pangai (Panthers) and Matt Lodge (Warriors) have recently departed to other clubs.

Brisbane’s forwards showed increased spirit during a noble 18-12 loss to Penrith on Saturday with Panthers coach Ivan Cleary lauding the Broncos as “brave’’ after a much improved defensive effort with only a handful of missed tackles in the first half.

The Broncos play the Cowboys on Friday with both clubs desperate for wins after troubled seasons.

Thomas Flegler is facing a three week ban (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)

There is expected to be a flurry of activity in the transfer market this week as it is the final one for clubs to sort out their rosters before the August 1 deadline.

Parramatta have approached out of favour Bronco Anthony Milford about a late season switch but Milford had reservations over the move and has at least three other clubs jostling for his services.

If Milford headed to Parramatta and was unable to crack first grade, there is a feeling his market value could be diminished.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters is attempting to be consistent with his late season selections and that could mean more time on the sideline for Melbourne bound State of Origin winger Xavier Coates, who was dropped for the Penrith game.

The strong showing by the Broncos against Penrith confirmed the merit of choosing a settled team, although there is a push for Kotoni Staggs to play in the halves now that he has had two matches back from an extended stint on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Jamayne Isaako has been cited for a grade one careless high tackle on Viliame Kikau on Saturday and fined $750.