Huge double blow for Broncos enforcers as Walsh’s fate revealed

Broncos enforcer Tom Flegler is in some danger of having played his last game for Brisbane upon suffering a Lisfranc injury in his side’s defeat to the Gold Coast.

Recovering times for such a foot injury when surgery has been required has often kept a player sidelined for months - the Bulldogs’ Luke Thompson the biggest example this season, having not played a game because of its severity.

The Broncos remain unsure of the full extent of Flegler’s setback, with a specialist to be consulted in the coming days to confirm the best treatment, moving forward. However, it is hoped he will miss only a few weeks.

The 23-year-old Maroons prop, who will link with the Dolphins from 2024, will be joined in the casualty ward for Saturday’s Battle of Brisbane by Jordan Riki, who has gone down with a plantar fascia concern and stress reaction.

Riki is facing a longer stint on the sidelines, potentially up to eight weeks, with fellow second-rower Kurt Capewell also to miss the forthcoming Dolphins clash because of a quad tendon issue.

“I think that’s a question for the medical staff at the moment,” Broncos prop Martin Taupau said when asked if Flegler was racing the clock to don the club jumper again.

“For myself going in, I’m hopeful we’re just looking at the best case scenario now. If it’s only a couple of weeks then they’ll be ready and fit for the back end of the year for us.

“I know it’s not ideal for a couple of weeks having those boys on the sideline, but it’s a great opportunity for the next lot of middles to step up and fill in those shoes.”

In another damning blow to the Broncos chances of overcoming Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins, star fullback Reece Walsh has failed in his bid to fight a contrary conduct charge with the NRL judiciary.

Walsh was filmed in an expletive-filled tirade on the field during his side’s 18-12 loss to the Titans, and despite declaring his words were directed at teammate Pat Carrigan rather than referee Chris Butler, he received a three-game suspension.

FULL ACCOUNT OF REECE WALSH’S JUDICIARY FIGHT

After a hearing that lasted more than four hours on Tuesday night, Walsh was found guilty of the charge - having pled not guilty - and will miss Queensland’s final State of Origin clash.

The panel was unable to reach a unanimous verdict, with the casting vote decided by judiciary chairman Justice Geffrey Bellew.

Despite Titans rival David Fifita and Carrigan offering defence of Walsh, the panel were satisfied Walsh had a tendency to challenge the referee’s decisions, after Butler’s report following the clash stating the 20-year-old had been warned of his behaviour.

Tristan Sailor and Selwyn Cobbo loom as the likely fullback replacements, with Sailor fighting for a long-term future in the NRL as he comes off contract at season’s end.

Taupau insisted the senior members of the Broncos had not discussed with Walsh the need to refrain from his heat-of-the-moment outbursts, adamant that that fire was what had made him ascend to the State of Origin arena so early in his career.

“I wouldn’t say so much pull back a bit; you need that competitiveness in every player that plays contact sport or else you’re going to go out there and hurt yourself,” Taupau said.

“In terms of Reece, I love that fire in him and I believe I had it when I was younger at his age as well. It all comes with experience and maturity, it takes time. He realises that, he knows.

“The way things unfolded, it’s not ideal, but we’re in a very competitive sport and there’s a lot of things that happen. I know Reece is probably remorseful of his actions.”