By Nick Wright
Broncos prop Payne Haas is poised to be ruled out of Brisbane’s forthcoming clash with the Bulldogs, in another blow to the club’s forward pack.
An ankle injury had sidelined Haas from the NSW Blues side to contest the State of Origin dead rubber next Wednesday, with the enforcer now confirmed to have suffered a tendon inflammation.
Payne Haas will miss the Broncos’ clash with the Bulldogs, as well as State of Origin duty.Credit: Getty Images
While the setback is only likely to keep the 23-year-old out of action for one NRL match – he is expected to make his comeback in round 21 against South Sydney – his loss compounds a depleted unit.
Veteran edge forward Kurt Capewell is set to be a welcome inclusion following time in the casualty ward to nurse a quad tendon concern, however Thomas Flegler and Jordan Riki remain out of contention with foot injuries.
Broncos head of performance Dave Ballard confirmed Haas’ absence, however suggested Flegler’s return could be as early as the battle with the Rabbitohs.
“Payne will rehab the injury over the next fortnight and we expect him to return for the round 21 game against South Sydney,” Ballard said.
“Tom Flegler has had some positive news from scans and reviews of the Lisfranc injury in his foot, and he could return as early as the Rabbitohs game depending on how his running program tracks along in coming weeks.
“Jordan Riki will continue his rehab from a foot injury, with the intention of him returning for the final rounds of the regular reason.”
The Broncos have moved to solidify their pack moving towards the 2024 season.
Interchange prop Martin Taupau has inked a one-year contract extension for next year, with the 33-year-old now every chance of finishing his career in the maroon and yellow jumper.
Thomas Flegler could return in time to face off against South Sydney. Credit: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
The departure of Flegler to the Dolphins from the end of the 2023 campaign leaves a gaping hole in Brisbane’s line-up, however the acquisition of Sydney Rooster Fletcher Baker and Taupau’s retention will offset the loss of the Queensland Maroons star.
Taupau will prove a mentor for the young brigade of middles coming through the Broncos ranks, spearheaded by 18-year-old Benjamin Te Kura.
Te Kura, who will don the Maroons colours in the Under-19s State of Origin clash next Thursday, has become a Queensland Cup regular for Souths Logan this year, playing 15 games under former Broncos premiership-winner Karmichael Hunt.
The wunderkind – who stands at more than two metres tall – scored in each of his first four appearances in the Magpies’ starting side, while his increased minutes in the past three weeks have yielded two tries, 15 tackle busts and 158 run metres a game.
Martin Taupau will remain a Bronco in 2024. Credit: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
Brisbane coach Kevin Walters believed Taupau’s presence could prove key in unlocking the club’s next generation of hitmen.
“He has a lot of experience and is a great team man who is helping to bring through the next generation of forwards as well as playing some really good footy himself,” Walters said.
