The Brisbane Broncos’ farcical season has reached a new low amid reports four players will miss Sunday’s Round 16 clash against the Cronulla Sharks due to injuries suffered at training.
All 16 NRL clubs enjoyed a bye week last weekend due to Sunday’s Origin showdown between the Queensland Maroons and NSW Blues.
But there was little rest for the last-placed Broncos who were put through an uncompromising training session on Sunday morning.
And as first reported by Channel Nine News four players - Karmichael Hunt (calf), Ben Te’o (calf), Albert Kelly (hamstring) and Brendan Piakura (ankle) - all went down injured during the session.
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There was no mention of the injured quarter in Brisbane’s official squad announcement on Tuesday ahead of the Sharks clash.
But questions are sure to be asked of the Broncos’ new strength and condition coach Dave Ballard, who replaced the sacked Andrew Croll earlier this month.
The Broncos have managed just three wins from their first 15 games under rookie coach Kevin Walters in 2021.
They are currently in 16th spot on the ladder and in a two-way battle with Canterbury for the wooden spoon.
There is at least some good news for the Broncos, with star centre Kotoni Staggs set to make his return from an ACL injury suffered against the North Queensland Cowboys in the final round of the 2020 season.
Winger Xavier Coates has been rested after he was a late inclusion for the Maroons on Sunday, while Blues forward Payne Haas has been named at starting prop.
