Broncos coach Kevin Walters has backed fringe halfback Jock Madden to spearhead a Brisbane triumph in North Queensland, revealing captain Adam Reynolds will miss the clash with the Cowboys.
Reynolds has suffered from groin tightness in the aftermath of his side’s win over the Sydney Roosters, with the club unwilling to risk their maestro for the trip to Townsville.
Adam Reynolds (centre) has been ruled out for the Broncos clash with the Cowboys because of a groin injury. Credit: Getty Images
He will be joined in the casualty ward by interchange forward Kobe Hetherington, who is recovering from a back cork and will be replaced by promising rookie Xavier Willison.
Madden has made just two appearances in Broncos colours this season – both losses to Penrith and South Sydney – but has been consistently strong in the Queensland Cup for Norths Devils and Wynnum Manly.
Before the Devils’ decision to link with the Dolphins next year, the 23-year-old played six games and contributed six try assists.
But his form has hit a new gear since linking with the Seagulls – credited with five try assists, averaging more than 100 extra kicking metres a game while running for 124 metres and forcing four goal-line drop-outs.
“Reyno won’t be able to play tomorrow and that creates an opportunity for Jock to come into the side,” Walters confirmed.
“He (Madden) has been playing some great football in the Queensland Cup and we have a lot of faith in him, and now he gets his chance in a big game.”
Jock Madden, who has been in good form with the Wynnum Manly Seagulls, will replace skipper Adam Reynolds.Credit: Getty
Reynolds’ absence will come with a sigh of relief from the Cowboys, who will desperately need to prevail as their finals hopes hang by a thread.
North Queensland will already be reeling from the suspension of star centre Valentine Holmes and losing Jeremiah Nanai to injury.
Reynolds’ omission will leave a gaping hole in Brisbane’s attack, opening the door for hooker Billy Walters to assume a greater role with ball in hand.
The 29-year-old will wage an enthralling battle with Cowboys and New South Wales rake Reece Robson, and admitted he is still seeking the right balance between being a running threat from dummy-half and ensuring the Broncos strike force out wide was being exploited.
Broncos hooker Billy Walters is looking ahead to his battle with Cowboys counterpart Reece Robson. Credit: Getty
Without Reynolds calling the shots, finding that balance come Saturday night and winning the war with his rival number nine could hold the secret to extending his side’s winning run.
“In my head, whenever there’s a fast play the ball I want to get out and run, but at the same time that’s when Walshy (Reece Walsh) and Reyno and Payne (Haas) are at their most dangerous as well,” Billy Walters said.
“He (Robson) is a tough little bugger; I remember playing him a couple of times now and he really gives it to our forwards when he’s tackling them. And he’s a tough little runner.
“He’s probably got that running game right with his team as well at the moment – when to run and when to dish it off to Drinky (fullback Scott Drinkwater) so he’s another one we have to try and match up and nullify his impact.”
