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Brisbane Broncos' Reece Walsh Undergoes Surgery for Fractured Cheekbone Amidst Further Player Injuries

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Brisbane Broncos Hit by Injury Crisis: Walsh Undergoes Surgery, Key Players Sidelined

Brisbane Broncos fullback Reece Walsh has undergone surgery for a fractured cheekbone and is anticipated to be sidelined for four to six weeks. The injury occurred during a recent match, which also saw captain Adam Reynolds sustain a groin strain and Ben Hunt play through a knee injury that has since been diagnosed as a grade three medial ligament tear. These developments have led to several roster adjustments for the team.

Brisbane Broncos fullback Reece Walsh has undergone surgery for a fractured cheekbone and is anticipated to be sidelined for four to six weeks.

Reece Walsh: Surgery and Recovery Timeline

Reece Walsh sustained a fractured cheekbone and a category-one Head Injury Assessment (HIA) during the Brisbane Broncos' 26-12 victory against the Gold Coast Titans. The incident occurred late in the first half of the match, played on Saturday night in Robina. Walsh did not return to the field and was transported to the hospital, with surgery scheduled for Sunday.

His recovery period is estimated to be between four and six weeks. Should Walsh require the full six weeks for recovery, his projected return for the Broncos would be in Round 11 against the Warriors in Brisbane. This timeline would leave him with one match before the Queensland squad for State of Origin I is announced on May 27 in Sydney.

Additional Player Injuries Impacting the Squad

The Broncos are managing additional player injuries:

  • Adam Reynolds (Captain): Reynolds exited the match after 25 minutes due to a groin strain. Despite initial concerns, he was named at No. 7 for the upcoming Round 6 game against the Cowboys and passed a fitness test on Tuesday afternoon.

  • Ben Hunt: Hunt, who replaced Reynolds during the game, continued playing despite a knee complaint. Scans later confirmed a grade three medial ligament tear, an injury expected to sideline him for up to eight weeks. Hunt reportedly taped the injury at halftime and continued playing.

Roster Adjustments: Filling the Gaps

In response to the injuries, the Broncos have made several roster adjustments:

  • Reece Walsh's Replacement: Jesse Arthars is confirmed to replace Walsh at fullback. Arthars, playing his first NRL match of the season due to Josiah Karapani's disciplinary absence, moved to fullback after Walsh's injury, scoring a try and contributing defensively. Hayze Perham is also considered a potential candidate for the position. Arthars has stated confidence in playing fullback, citing consistent practice in the position.

  • Ben Hunt's Replacement: Blake Mozer will take Hunt's spot on the interchange bench.

  • Josiah Karapani: Karapani has been recalled to the starting wing position.

  • Tom Duffy: Duffy has been named on the extended bench as a potential replacement should Adam Reynolds be a late withdrawal.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire provided updates regarding these player injuries and team selections.