NRL 2024: Kevin Walters rules out using Reece Walsh to cover Adam Reynolds’ injury

The injury to star playmaker Adam Reynolds leaves a gaping hole in the Broncos spine, PETER BADEL reveals how coach Kevin Walters is going to fill that void.

Reece Walsh talking with coach Kevin Walters, Brisbane Broncos training, Red Hill. Picture: Liam Kidston

Kevin Walters has ruled out a positional move for Reece Walsh as the Broncos coach backed Jock Madden or Tristan Sailor to fill the massive void left by injured skipper Adam Reynolds.

The Broncos’ top-four hopes, and title chances, took a major hit after star halfback Reynolds ruptured his bicep and winger Jesse Arthars broke his jaw in Friday night’s nightmare 40-18 loss to the Roosters.

Reynolds will undergo surgery in coming days and faces 12 to 14 weeks on the sidelines, while Arthars had an operation on his jaw on Saturday that is expected to wipe him out for six weeks.

Broncos high-performance chief Dave Ballard said Reynolds is expected to back before the finals in a silver lining to the injury.

“Jesse sustained a fractured jaw and underwent surgery. He will miss six weeks,” he said.

“Adam had a scan which showed a ruptured bicep.

“He will have surgery early this week and be out for 12-14 weeks.”

Reece Walsh (L) won’t be moving into the halves according to coach Kevin Walters. Picture: Liam Kidston

The Broncos (5-4) dropped to seventh after the costly defeat at Suncorp Stadium and face a crucial road trip to Parramatta this Friday night to stay in the top eight with the Eels, Canberra, Cowboys and Canterbury snapping at their heels.

Chief commander Reynolds may not return until round 21 and Madden is the immediate successor, but the back-up playmaker has his own injury concerns and could also miss the Eels clash at CommBank Stadium.

Madden suffered a pec strain against the Wests Tigers the week previous and if he is unavailable to face the Eels, Walters could opt for utility Mr Fixit Sailor, who has experience in the halves.

Flying fullback Walsh has been thrown up as a possible five-eighth partner for Ezra Mam, who would shift to halfback, but Walters insists the Maroons maestro is staying in the No. 1 jumper.

“That (playing Walsh in the halves) is not an option, we’ll leave Reece at fullback,” Walters said.

“Jock would be a chance next week. It was a one-to-two week injury.

“I haven’t had a chance to talk to the doctors about his return just yet, but he would be an outside chance for next week against Parramatta.

“It (the injury toll) is not great for us, we’d prefer for guys not to get injured, but this is a great opportunity for us to have a good look at Jock over the next 12 to 14 weeks or whatever it is.”

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

The Broncos have been rocked by a series of injury dramas this season and the timing of the Reynolds-Arthars setbacks is not ideal with State of Origin just four weeks away.

Brisbane will lose three players – Walsh, Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas – to Origin duties, while Selwyn Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs are other Broncos in Queensland and NSW contention.

But Walters insists Brisbane’s premiership hopes are not in ruins after last year’s fairytale grand-final appearance.

“No, I’m not too concerned about that,” he said.

“We have good depth, but I’m more concerned with how we played than anything else.

“We have plenty to work on, that’s for sure, but the good thing is it’s only round 9.”

Sailor has been a revelation since joining the Broncos last year. The 13-game NRL utility has won six of eight matches in Broncos colours and had such a blistering pre-season that Walters has explored ways to include Sailor in his top 17 over the past month.

Jock Madden has the opportunity for an extended run in first grade. Picture: Getty Images

Should Madden be ruled out for another week, Sailor shapes as a logical option to wear the No. 6 jumper against the Eels, with Mam to shift to halfback.

“Tristan can play a role there (in the halves) for us, certainly,” Walters said.

“He has a good football IQ and he’s been defending in the frontline at Queensland Cup level.

“We have some options there and we’ll let the dust settle over the weekend.”

Madden is showing promising signs. The 24-year-old has won three consecutive games in the halves, including a two-try haul at five-eighth alongside Reynolds against the Wests Tigers, and Madden will get an extended run to showcase his talents.

Broncos confirm a ruptured biceps tendon (near elbow) for Adam Reynolds.

Causes significant loss of function - 30-50% decrease in twisting/bending strength at the elbow. Surgery required to repair & restore this function with usual recovery time of 12 weeks. pic.twitter.com/GKsJww4Qhw

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) May 3, 2024

Broncos hooker Billy Walters ruled out returning to the scrumbase, backing Madden and Sailor to keep Brisbane rolling without Reynolds.

“Jock Madden has done a great job when he has stepped up this year and we have confidence in him,” he said.

“It’s a great opportunity for him, not having doubts about whether he will be in the side, he will be there for the next 12 weeks so he can settle in and show why we signed him.

“I think Tristan would get a crack over me (in the halves if Madden is ruled out this week).

“My job is in the middle, hooker is my best position, so I would be surprised if the coach moved me, especially with a guy of Tristan’s quality.

“It’s always tough in the NRL.

“We were blessed with injuries last year but it’s been tough on us this year and now it’s a chance for some of our younger guys to step up.”