Unlucky Bronco set to miss the cut as star’s comeback looms

Broncos enforcer Tom Flegler is poised to make his comeback from a foot injury on Thursday night against the Roosters, potentially leaving one unlucky man in the selection firing line.

The Maroons hitman was revealed to have suffered a Lisfranc concern in the aftermath of his side’s defeat to the Gold Coast Titans, however the fact he did not require surgery saved his season.

Flegler appeared to run strongly at Monday training and will no doubt be eager to make up for lost time, determined to win a title in Brisbane colours before beginning his four-year deal with the Dolphins in 2024.

Broncos forward Kobe Hetherington, when asked if Flegler was locked and loaded for his return, said: “It’s looking like it.

“We’ve still got another couple of days, but he’s looking good and sharp out there, so hopefully he’s back.”

However, in the absence of Flegler and edge forward Jordan Riki (foot) – and shorter time losses of Kurt Capewell (quad), Payne Haas (ankle) and Pat Carrigan (rested) – the Broncos reserves have stood tall.

Keenan Palasia, Xavier Willison and Hetherington have all had their minutes increase in recent weeks, with 20-year-old rookie Willison scoring his third NRL try from just seven appearances while running for 95m against South Sydney on Friday night.

Brendan Piakura, a late omission against the Rabbitohs with a virus, garnered his first start’s in Riki’s absence, churning out three-straight 80-minute performances, including a breakout effort against the Bulldogs of 121m, 22 tackles and a try.

Should Piakura return as well, even Martin Taupau’s suspension for a grade three dangerous contact charge will not spare one of the fringe men’s places in the team.

The depth in the Broncos ranks has been key in their bid to end a 17-year premiership drought, winning their past three matches without their superstar representative contingent.

Should Hetherington retain his spot – likely given he has featured in every side since Round 7 – he will play his 50th first-grade game against the club he debuted against.

The son of Bulldogs legend Jason Hetherington was adamant his sole focus was on winning the battle of the forward packs against Sydney.

“It will be a good battle in the middle and that’s where games are won,” Hetherington said.

“Just in that middle I’ll bring energy off the bench, and if I start then, starting hard too. I’ve had a few starts this year, which is good, so wherever Kevvie [Walters] wants me and whatever we can do to make the grand final, I’m happy to do it.

“At the moment we just want to go week by week and keep marching forward, but I guess every team, that’s what they want to do – make the grand final – so if we can keep doing the little things well and keep defending hard then we’ve got a pretty good shot.”