Adam Reynolds is closing in on a comeback to the Broncos line-up, in a boost for the under-siege side ahead of the Queensland derby.
As the team reels from the loss of star No.1 Reece Walsh to a facial fracture, with prop Payne Haas also sidelined, Reynolds’ return from a knee injury could not come at a better time for Friday’s clash with the Cowboys.
Seen at Monday training with the main side and not wearing a red shirt, the halfback and skipper moved with freedom as Tristan Sailor manned the fullback duties and Walsh watched on.
The Broncos are in need of a scalp, with losses to Sydney and Penrith bookending their sole win over the struggling Rabbitohs. North Queensland are undefeated this season.
Brisbane winger Jesse Arthars appeared to confirm Sailor’s ascent to the starting team.
The club would be relieved over Reynolds’ imminent comeback, but Arthars stopped short of cementing the latter for a Suncorp Stadium return.
“Reyno is a quick healer, and hopefully, he will be out there steering the ship around. If he is not there we have Jock [Madden], and he will do a great job as well,” Arthars said.
“[Reynolds] is our skipper, and if he is playing, everyone is confident. But whoever fills the positions we have faith in.
“Tristan is a very classy player and fits in really well. Reece is obviously our main number one, but Tritter does an excellent job when Reece is not available.
“We are expecting his best, and I am excited for him to get a crack this early in the season. Reece does one of the best jobs in the game and I think they bounce off each other with different ideas, what’s working and what is not working.
“That is ultimately healthy for the club, with two different minds coming together.”
Veteran winger Corey Oates was also seen taking part in phases of the opposed session with the starting group, after coach Kevin Walters spoke on Thursday night of his regret at not naming an outside back on his bench.
Such a recall would probably come at the expense of a forward, but the 29-year-old’s former life as an edge forward could make him the perfect option.
Oates was yet to take the field for the Burleigh Bears in the Queensland Cup since being edged out by rookie flyer Deine Mariner for the left wing spot, with Walters revealing on the eve of the Panthers’ clash the former State of Origin star had been battling a minor knee issue.
Arthars endorsed the 29-year-old as ready for the opportunity should a call-up be announced on Tuesday afternoon.
“Oatesy has been training with us the whole time and wherever Kevvie wants to put him there is always a spot for him,” Arthars said.
“If he wants to put him on the bench he is a really big body and has the strong carries. He can play a few positions as well.”
Sydney Morning Herald
