NRL 2024: Brisbane Broncos halfback injury crisis opens door for Burleigh star Josh Rogers

With Adam Reynolds sidelined for three months and his replacement also on the injury list, the Broncos may be forced to roll the dice on a reserve grade five-eighth with just one NRL appearance to his name.

Josh Rogers and the Brisbane Broncos train at Red Hill in Brisbane. Pics Adam Head

Kevin Walters called for the cavalry at Broncos training on Monday as the club’s halfback crisis deepened.

Perth born five-eighth Josh Rogers, a star with Burleigh in the Hostplus Cup, trained with the team as Walters mulled over his options for Friday’s match against Parramatta following injuries to his top two No 7s.

Skipper Adam Reynolds is out for three months after undergoing bicep surgery on Monday and his understudy Jock Madden, who has a pectoral muscle injury, took a limited role in training with a “no contact’’ bib on and is considered unlikely to play.

Ezra Mam could well switch to halfback and Walters may have to decide whether to play Tristan Sailor or Rogers as the new five-eighth.

It’s eight years since Rogers won the Gold Coast Titans NYC player of the year award and his only first grade appearance for the Broncos was in the final match of the regular season last year against the Melbourne Storm.

Rogers spent most of last year playing for Wynnum-Manly where he broke the club record for most points (241) in a season.

Josh Rogers trained with the Broncos ahead of Friday’s clash with Parramatta. Picture Adam Head

Hooker Tyson Smoothy said the loss of Reynolds was a major blow but the team would respond to the challenge of playing without him.

“It’s disappointing but we have plenty of boys who can fill his spot,’’ Smoothy said. “We have plenty of time without Reyno now so we will have to build combinations.

Jordan Riki consoles Adam Reynolds after the match against the Roosters. Picture: NRL Imagery

“Everyone has to take that little extra step. Obviously Reyno is a massive leader of our group. We trained together pre-season as a squad so we have that mentality whoever comes in is going to do their job.’’

Assistant coach Lee Briers could be heard telling the squad to slow things down as they rehearsed scrum moves, a timely message after the Broncos were widely criticised for trying to snatch at glory with random plays in last week’s loss to the Roosters.

“It was slowing it down, clearing up our roles and making sure everyone is on board properly,’’ Smoothy said.

Queensland coach Billy Slater said the Broncos were trying to win the match off every play and while the team is known for their ad lib attack it is likely they will strive to not overcomplicate things in Reynolds’ absence.

Teenage half whiz Coby Black, along with former Dragons winger Jordan Pereira, trained with the team but cannot be chosen for first grade until he turns 18 in July.

Black, who piled on 46 points when the Burleigh Bears recently beat the Wide Bay Bulls 130-0, is highly rated by Reynolds and a string of junior scouts and it will be interesting to see if he is pitchforked into first grade when he becomes eligible to play.