Broncos training scare as star trio get leg treatment

Joel Gould | September 26, 2023

Brisbane have received a scare in their grand final preparation, with star fullback Reece Walsh, captain Adam Reynolds and centre Herbie Farnworth all requiring treatment on their left legs during training.

Prop Payne Haas, battling a finger complaint, also needed attention from medical staff.

Farnworth left Tuesday’s training session towards the end and had his left quad strapped. The England international did not return to the session.

The Broncos told AAP none of the four were in doubt for Sunday’s NRL grand final against Penrith, and all were named in an unchanged lineup when the team lists were released on Tuesday afternoon.

Forward Kobe Hetherington said he had spoken to Farnworth following the session.

“I just spoke to him before. He said, ‘I’ll be right’,” Hetherington said.

“He’s a tough bugger. He’ll be right to go.”

Walsh was on the ground for eight minutes receiving assistance from Broncos physiotherapist Luke Anning on what appeared to be a hamstring or glute issue.

The last thing Brisbane need is for the 21-year-old whiz kid to be at anything other than top gear against the Panthers.

Walsh was kicking his left leg out in the minutes after receiving treatment, but joined the main group and appeared to be moving freely.

“He was still running around,” centre Kotoni Staggs said of Walsh.

Reynolds was on the ground for a minute and got up manipulating what appeared to be a knee or quad complaint, before also rejoining training.

“I’m all good. Just a bump,” the 33-year-old said at the end of the session.

Haas, who was wearing a ‘no-contact’ red bib, appeared to have an issue with a hand, and went to see Anning during the session. He was still involved in tackling drills.

Farnworth’s centre partner Staggs said the Dolphins-bound weapon was integral to the Broncos’ plans in the decider after he scored two tries and starred in last weekend’s 42-12 preliminary final win over the Warriors.

“Herbie showed everyone last week what he can do when he is fit and ready,” Staggs said.

“He is probably one of the best centres in the game this year and deserves all the credit.

“He can do stuff I can’t do, and I can do stuff he can’t do. When he does something good I want to match what he does.”