Brisbane Broncos injury news 2022: Payne Haas, Kotoni Staggs and Pat Carrigan surgery updates
Pat Carrigan needs surgery after playing just 14 games for the Broncos this season but the Wally Lewis Medal winner has delayed the procedure.
The Broncos’ 2022 crash is continuing to hurt Brisbane with Origin trio Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas and Kotoni Staggs requiring off-season surgery that’s set to impact the World Cup.
Staggs has been ruled out of Tonga calculations for the year-ending tournament in England due to a shoulder reconstruction.
Staggs, 23, has played three Tests for Tonga, including this year’s mid-season match against New Zealand, and was considered a certain selection for the rising nation.
But he will not be travelling to England.
Aspiring Kangaroos representatives Haas and Carrigan also need operations following arduous 2022 campaigns.
A NSW Origin prop who has played two Tests for Australia, Haas is expected to recover in time to be selected in the Kangaroos’ squad, if chosen by coach Mal Meninga.
After a strong start to the year, Haas’ form dipped in the back end of the season due to the shoulder problems and Brisbane’s dramatic crash from the top four to ninth.
He is definitely in the mix for World Cup selection, however not featuring in the NRL finals series and the surgery could impact his chances.
Carrigan also requires surgery on an ankle complaint following his breakout 2022 campaign.
The Broncos lock collected the Wally Lewis Medal as the best player in his debut State of Origin campaign, but only managed 14 games for the Broncos due to injury and suspension.
Carrigan has delayed surgery – which is expected to sideline him for up to six weeks – as he awaits his World Cup fate.
If he is selected in the Kangaroos’ squad, which appears likely following his sensational Origin series, then he will wait until the completion of the tournament in late November to undergo surgery.
The Broncos are comfortable with Carrigan delaying surgery as he will not miss any extra pre-season training given his recovery would be during the annual leave period for World Cup players over Christmas.
On top of Haas, Staggs and Carrigan, rising prop Xavier Willison requires a shoulder reconstruction which will limit him during the bulk of Brisbane’s upcoming pre-season.
Willison made his NRL debut in 2021 and was tipped for big things, but suffered a serious knee injury which stunted his 2022 preparations and only played one NRL game this year.
He is now set to be sidelined for a significant period heading into 2023.
Winger Corey Oates also had his appendix removed following Brisbane’s last-round loss to the Dragons, which officially ended their 2022 season.
Centre Herbie Farnworth has recovered from a biceps injury and is expected to be selected in England’s World Cup squad.
The Broncos will hold their annual presentation night – which will see the Paul Morgan Medal winner crowned – at South Bank next Tuesday.
The event was scheduled for Thursday week, but has been brought forward due to the public holiday to mourn the Queen’s death.
The bulk of players will then go on leave until reporting for pre-season training in November, where coach Kevin Walters will attempt to guide Brisbane to its first finals appearance since 2019.
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