Broncos prop Tom Flegler has allayed fears he may be in doubt for his side’s forthcoming finals campaign, declaring his removal from the field had nothing to do with injury concerns.
Captaining Brisbane for the first time, and scoring a rare try in the process, the firebrand State of Origin star was taken from the field 24 minutes into his side’s 32-22 defeat to the Melbourne Storm, seemingly nursing his foot.
The 24-year-old missed a chunk of the season with a Lisfranc setback, and the sight of him getting extra strapping on the sidelines would have sent alarm bells through the Broncos’ faithful.
However, Flegler confirmed he would be fit and firing to take on next week’s Qualifying Final.
“It was all good, I didn’t come off for an injury, the gas was just a bit low and I had to put a bit more strapping on it,” Flegler said.
“I was good, no injuries. I’m all good for next weekend.
Brisbane players celebaret Tom Flegler’s try against Melbourne.Credit: Getty
“Not too many people get to be captain of such a renowned club like the Broncos. It was really special for myself, obviously unfortunate we didn’t come away with the win, but we took a lot of positives out of the game.”
Who the Broncos face in their first finals clash since 2019 remains up in the air, after they failed to secure the minor premiership on Thursday night.
They will now be reliant on results between the Panthers and Cowboys, as well as the Warriors and Dolphins, before their opponent is determined and their first minor premiership since 2000 can be celebrated.
Brisbane coach Kevin Walters also faces a selection headache, after rising forward Brendan Piakura was placed on report three times at Suncorp Stadium.
Reimis Smith celebrates a try against Brisbane.Credit: Getty
Rookie prop Xavier Willison was also helped from the field unable to put weight on his leg, and will undergo scans on Friday to reveal the extent of the damage.
“He (Piakura) is on report three times, there wasn’t a lot in what he’s done, but I think we’ll just leave that to the judiciary and see what they come up with,” Walters said.
“We’re in a really strong position as a club with our depth, so whilst it’s bitterly disappointing tonight if you look at the bigger picture we’re in a really good place to move really well in the finals.”
INITIAL: The Broncos’ decision to rest the majority of their marquee men may have cost them the minor premiership courtesy of a 32-22 loss to Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium.
Each side had 11 regular starters sitting on the sidelines for Thursday night’s clash. A Brisbane win would have garnered them their first minor premiership since 2000. The Panthers can now secure top spot by beating North Queensland at home on Saturday night.
After taking a 22-20 lead after Storm winger Reimis Smith was sin-binned in the 58th minute, the Broncos were unable to further capitalise.
Shortly after Smith’s return to the field, he crossed to retake the lead against a tiring Brisbane defence.
Melbourne livewire Sualauvi Fa’alogo had a debut to remember, crossing for a brilliant double – including a contender for try of the year and then what proved to be the contest’s decisive try with seven minutes remaining.
Coming off the bench deep into the first half, Fa’alogo broke through in the middle of the field and linked up with returning fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen superbly. The result was a thrilling try.
Brisbane players celebaret Tom Flegler’s try against Melbourne.Credit: Getty
The effort gave the Storm their first lead of the game after Brisbane scored the first two tries of the night through captain Tom Flegler and winger Jordan Pereira.
It followed a double to Grant Anderson, which included a long-distance intercept try to shut down a three-on-two overlap.
Sailor’s signal
Tristan Sailor sent a signal to Broncos coach Kevin Walters that he warrants greater opportunities in the NRL, turning in a strong attacking performance.
As his famous father, club legend Wendell, sat and cheered in the stands, the younger Sailor thrilled the home fans.
The 25-year-old, stepping in to fill the void left by superstar fullback Reece Walsh, finished with two try assists, three line-break assists, a line break, two forced dropouts, eight tackles busts and 180 running metres.
Papenhuyzen peaking
Playing just his second game since being sidelined for more than a year with through injury, Papenhuyzen announced he was finding form at the perfect time.
In his first start since his return, the dynamic fullback got through the entire 80 minutes and was in sensational touch – finishing with a try, a try assists, four goals, six tackle busts and 135 running metres.
Melbourne have managed to secure a top-four spot largely without his services, and now that he has plenty of running in him, he looms as one of the finals’ biggest threats once Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, Jahrome Hughes and the like return.
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