NRL Early Mail: Reece Walsh a 50/50 chance for Broncos, Tom Trbojevic ruled out

The besieged Brisbane Broncos may roll the dice on Reece Walsh, while Tom Trbojevic has been officially ruled out for the Manly Sea Eagles.

Manly star Tom Trbojevic will be rested from Thursday’s away match against Newcastle.

Trbojevic has a corked thigh and missed the Sea Eagles’ big win over Brisbane last Saturday night.

A short five-day turnaround convinced Manly’s medical staff to give Trbojevic another week of recovery.

Tom Trbojevic is again in doubt. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

He will now return for Manly’s match against Gold Coast at Robina on Friday week.

It was the same injury that ruled Trbojevic unavailable for selection in State of Origin I.

Lehi Hopoate will be named Manly fullback when the team is released at 4pm on Tuesday.

Hopoate was brilliant against the Broncos last weekend at Brookvale Oval.

In better news, Jake Trbojevic trained freely on Monday after missing the past two matches while in concussion protocols

BRONCOS MAY RUSH REECE RETURN

Broncos coach Michael Maguire is considering rushing back Reece Walsh in a desperate bid to kickstart Brisbane’s season against the Titans on Saturday night.

Walsh is rated a 50-50 chance to take on the Gold Coast in the M1 derby at Suncorp Stadium as the besieged Broncos fight to emerge from a form crisis after six losses from their past seven starts.

Maguire is also weighing up whether to axe lock Kobe Hetherington and return Queensland Origin star Pat Carrigan to his beloved No.13 jumper ahead of the naming of Brisbane’s round 14 team on Tuesday afternoon.

Brisbane’s superstar fullback Walsh was set to return against Manly last Saturday night, only to suffer a minor tweak to his knee injury at Broncos training.

The Broncos are hoping to have Reece Walsh back for Saturday’s clash with the Titans. Picture: Getty Images

Winger Jesse Arthars was called in to fill the Walsh void at fullback and the Broncos went on to suffer a humiliating 34-6 defeat to Manly in their worst performance of the season.

The Broncos go into the Titans clash floundering in 11th spot and desperately need a victory over the Titans to stay in touch with the eight.

The match effectively represents a four-point game for the Broncos - they have the bye the following week.

At this stage, Walsh is most likely to return after the bye weekend in round 16 against the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium, but depending on his progress this week, Maguire may yet catapult him into the side to face the Titans.

Maguire is prepared to give Walsh up until the captain’s run on Friday to prove his fitness.

Brisbane’s attack has spluttered badly in recent weeks without the speed and penetration of Walsh, who injured his knee against the Warriors in round 7.

TITANS REQUEST BRIMSON EXEMPTION

The Titans have asked the NRL if fullback AJ Brimson can be exempt from the game’s 11-day concussion stand down protocols so he can play in Saturday’s Queensland derby.

Gold Coast coach Des Hasler is hoping to have Brimson cleared to face the Broncos in what is shaping up to be a crucial game for the battling M1 rivals.

Brimson sustained a head knock at training last Thursday and failed a head injury assessment, ruling him out of last Saturday’s loss to the Melbourne Storm on the Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast are hoping to have AJ Brimson back to take on the Broncos. Picture: Getty Images

Under the game’s 11-day mandatory stand down policy for head injuries, he will also have to sit out this Saturday’s derby against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.

The Broncos game will be day 10 of his stand down period.

But the Titans have sought clarity around whether Brimson can be granted an exemption to face the Broncos.

The training incident is understood to have not been an ‘out cold’ head knock, but it was enough for Brimson to be sidelined for the Storm match.

The Titans are in the midst of an injury crisis at fullback with Keano Kini (neck), Jaylan de Groot (hamstring) and Brimson unavailable.

Halfback Jayden Campbell shifted to fullback for the Storm game, but Hasler is hoping to have him back in the No. 7 role for the Broncos game.

HUGE BLUES BLOW AS BARNETT OUT FOR SEASON

The Warriors have suffered a devastating blow with scans confirming co-captain Mitchell Barnett has suffered a torn ACL.

The shattering injury is a double blow with Barnett also ruled out for NSW.

The outstanding prop suffered the season-ending injury against the Rabbitohs on Sunday.

The 31-year-old was in visible pain after his right knee buckled awkwardly as he attempted to tackle Rabbitohs halfback Jayden Sullivan midway through the first half.

Barnett could be heard yelling an expletive as he managed to walk off the field, but was later seen on crutches in the dressing rooms.

NSW coach Laurie Daley is likely to look towards Storm prop Stefano Utoikamanu to fill the void of Barnett in Origin II.

—David Riccio

Mitch Barnett is off & won’t return with a right knee injury.

Worrisome mechanism - planted foot heavily & appeared to shift below knee + collapsed inward. Video brings concern for ACL injury, best case hopefully escapes with meniscus/MCL damage. No details from Warriors as yet. pic.twitter.com/SJQNStMCCN

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) June 1, 2025

INJURY STALLS DRAGON’S ORIGIN PUSH

St George Illawarra forward Jaydn Su’A will miss at least a week after the club confirmed he suffered a low grade syndesmosis sprain in his left ankle during Friday’s win over Newcastle.

Scans have ruled out a serious issue for the 27-year-old Queensland hopeful and he is likely to miss a week or two, but it could cruel his chances for a State of Origin push for game two in Perth in a fortnight.

The 27-year-old was taken from the field after just 20 minutes against the Knights shortly after scoring a try to further his push for an Origin recall.

It’s a blow for the eighth-placed Dragons too, who will miss him against the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night with hopes he can return for the local derby against Cronulla in round 15.

—Pamela Whaley

Jaydn Su'A’s Origin push has been halted for now. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

KNIGHTS v SEA EAGLES

Thursday, 7:50pm, McDonald Jones Stadium

Knights:

After missing last week on the back-up from Origin, Kalyn Ponga will return at fullback for the desperate Knights.

Tyson Gamble requires surgery to repair a broken hand. He is out for an extended period which will see Jack Cogger retain his spot in the halves and Fletcher Sharpe back to five-eighth.

Greg Marzhew is likely to return this week on the left wing as a direct replacement for Fletcher Hunt.

Leo Thompson is facing four weeks on the sideline after being charged with a crusher tackle. This will ensure Tyson Frizell stays in the front row for the time being alongside Brodie Jones with Mat Croker to start at lock.

Confirmation also came through late last week that Adam Elliott is facing 12 weeks on the sideline.

Jacob Saifiti is nearing a return, while Bradman Best is aiming for Round 16 if not earlier.

Sea Eagles:

Tom Trbojevic has been ruled out meaning Lehi Hopoate will deputise at fullback again.

Jason Saab was a late out in Round 13, with Clayton Faulolo called up to the starting side. Faulolo is likely to hold his spot with Tommy Talau to continue to deputise at left wing while Lehi plays fullback.

Jake Trbojevic has trained well and is expected to play.

Josh Aloiai failed to finish the match in Round 13 as he continues to manage ongoing shoulder problems and is unlikely to be named this week.

Siua Taukeiaho should return this week from a calf issue.

Tom Trbojevic remains in doubt for the Sea Eagles. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

STORM V COWBOYS

Friday, 6:00pm, AAMI Park

Storm:

Having failed to backup post Origin, Harry Grant and Xavier Coates will return to the starting lineup for the Storm in their Top 8 showdown with the Cows.

Coates likely returns at the expense of one of the wingers in Grant Anderson or Sua Fa’alogo with Jack Howarth getting through his return to first grade unscathed. Bronson Garlick will drop out for Grant.

The rest of the starting side is expected to be named 1-13.

Cowboys:

After a win at home against the Tigers, Murray Taulagi is expected to return on the left wing and push his case for a return to the Origin arena.

Taulagi’s return would push Jaxson Paulo back to Queensland Cup.

Reece Robson complained of hamstring tightness in Round 13 and played just 50 minutes. He’s expected to be named but will have to pass a fitness test to play.

Robson’s likely back-up, utility Sam McIntyre, also suffered calf tightness but is expected to be named.

Jason Taumalolo is still unavailable with the club giving no indication of his expected return date.

Purdue fired in the halves 😮‍💨#SuperCoach#NRLpic.twitter.com/TlbZg84ALF

— SuperCoach NRL (@SuperCoachNRL) May 31, 2025

DOLPHINS v DRAGONS

Friday, 8:00pm, Suncorp Stadium

Dolphins:

Reinforcements are near for the Dolphins. Jeremy Marshall-King should return from a leg infection that has seen him out since Round 9. Daniel Saifiti is a week-to-week proposition with a shoulder injury but will push to return.

Max Plath is aiming to be back by Round 16 or earlier from a foot injury. With Ray Stone likely on the sideline battling AC joint injuries in both shoulders, Felise Kaufusi could shift to lock.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will start at fullback with Jake Averillo back to the centres and Max Feagai back to Queensland Cup.

Dragons:

Jaydn Su’A looks set for a week or two on the sideline with an ankle injury which could cruel his push for a State of Origin return.

Toby Couchman is likely to start on an edge in his place with the Dragons forward stocks depleted.

Christian Tuipulotu will return on the wing this week, pushing debutant Nathan Lawson back to reserves.

Shane Flanagan will again switch the halves around with son Kyle to be named at halfback and Lyhkan King-Togia at five-eighth.

SHARKS v WARRIORS

Saturday, 5:30pm, Sharks Stadium

Sharks:

Despite being pictured in a shoulder sling over the bye week, Cronulla expect Addin Fonua-Blake to play in what is shaping as a crucial clash for the side’s Top 4 hopes.

His inclusion becomes more significant given the long term injury to Tom Hazelton. Hazelton is out for up to three months following surgery on a collarbone.

Mawene Hiroti will again start on the wing with Sione Katoa looking for a return next week at the earliest.

Teig Wilton will again push to return to the starting side. If picked, Billy Burns shifts to the bench to provide coverage.

Warriors:

Captain Mitch Barnett could be facing a long stint on the sidelines, and possibly the end of his season, after picking up a knee injury with scans to determine the prognosis.

The Warriors are well set to replace him thankfully, with a lot of versatility through their forwards.

Marata Nuikore could shift to the front row and Leka Halasima back to start on the edge, or Jackson Ford could move from the bench to the starting side.

Centre Rocco Berry suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury and is set to face a couple of weeks out. Kurt Capewell could again be shifted to the centres.

BRONCOS v TITANS

Saturday, 7:35pm, Suncorp Stadium

Broncos:

Reece Walsh was close to a start in Round 13 before reaggravating his knee at training. He will again attempt to return for the Queensland Derby this week at fullback.

If back, he would send Jesse Arthars back to the wing and Deine Mariner likely back to the reserves.

Second rower Jack Gosiewski is also nearing a return from a broken arm and could shift straight into the starting side if fit.

Ben Hunt is eyeing a return in Round 16 after his side’s next bye.

Titans:

A concussion on the training paddock before Round 13 may see AJ Brimson ruled out again though the Titans are seeking an exemption for him to play.

To add to their woes, fullback Jaylan de Groot also has a hamstring injury and is expected to be unavailable.

Jayden Campbell starred at fullback after Tom Weaver and Kieran Foran moved into the halves and is expected to keep the jersey for another round at least. Should Brimson be named, he would instead shift to fullback with Campbell to wear the 7.

David Fifita is pushing for a return following ankle surgery, most likely via the bench.

RAIDERS v RABBITOHS

Sunday, 2:00pm, GIO Stadium

Raiders:

After a gutsy win against the Roosters in Round 13, the Raiders are expected to be named 1-13 in Round 14.

Jamal Fogarty is the only potential inclusion. Fogarty was a late out last week with a groin injury and with the bye next round, could be rested. Ethan Sanders will deputise for him at halfback in the short term if required and kick goals.

Rabbitohs:

It’s rare there’s good news for the Rabbits on the injury front this year but that is looking like the case this week.

Cody Walker and Jack Wighton are both eyeing returns. Cody’s return would most likely see Bud Sullivan drop to the reserves while Jack could force Isaiah Tass to the wing and Bayleigh Bentley-Hape out of the side.

Jamie Humphreys failed to finish Round 13 with a cork. If he’s unable to play in Round 14, Bud Sullivan would likely partner Walker in the halves.

Tyrone Munro is also nearing a return from a broken collarbone suffered in Round 1, although he may return via the lower grades to prove his fitness.

TIGERS v PANTHERS

Sunday, 4:05pm, CommBank Stadium

Tigers:

Alex Twal suffered a concussion in Round 13 and will be out this week. Given his complex history with the injury, he could be facing multiple weeks on the sidelines.

Latu Fainu and Jeral Skelton are both pushing for returns to first grade this week following hamstring injuries. Their returns could come at the expense of Heath Mason and Charlie Staines respectively.

With Twal unavailable, the Tigers may be forced to shift Alex Seyfarth to lock and Tony Sukkar into a starting edge role.

Panthers:

After a win against the Eels in Round 13, the Panthers outfit is looking mostly settled and hopefully headed in the right direction.

Luke Garner will push for a return from a concussion suffered at training prior to Round 12, but where he fits in remains to be seen. Garner could either start in the centres in place of Casey McLean or join the bench as a utility.

Paul Alamoti is battling injury and if fit could also join the side in place of Tom Jenkins.

BULLDOGS v EELS

Monday, 4:00pm, Accor Stadium

Bulldogs:

The Lachlan Galvin era is officially here for the Doggies, with the mid-season recruit looking to earn selection for his first game, ironically up against the club he rejected during transfer talks.

Galvin is expected to start from the bench with Toby Sexton aholding on to his starting spot.

The rest of the side is settled for this week. Reinforcements are back next week with Jacob Preston and Sitili Tupouniua both back from suspension. Jacob Kiraz is aiming for a return in Round 16 at the earliest.

Eels:

The Eels are enjoying a strong period of good health at the club and are expected to be named 1-17, with Will Penisini to return at right centre in place of Jordan Samrani the only forecast change.

Originally published as NRL Early Mail: Reece Walsh a 50/50 chance for Broncos, Tom Trbojevic ruled out