Broncos centre Tautau Moga suffers heart scare at training
TAUTAU Moga’s emphatic NRL resurrection has hit a hurdle after the Broncos centre suffered a heart scare at training.
Moga left the paddock at Red Hill feeling ill midway through Brisbane’s surprise session to begin preparations for Friday’s blockbuster derby against the Cowboys.
It was initially thought the monster three-quarter’s symptoms were heart-related.
Moga, who became a father last week, did not return to the field as
Broncos medical staff assessed his condition and he was replaced by Tom Opacic at left centre.
James Roberts had a light run by himself after pulling up sore from the Sharks win, allowing
Benji Marshall to slot into his position at right centre.
Moga, 23, was voted players’ player in his Broncos debut in
last Thursday’s win against premiers Cronulla.
The towering centre charged for 112m from 12 runs and looked confident despite having undergone three knee reconstructions in four years.
Broncos half Anthony Milford said he had been blown away by his former schoolmate’s start to the season.
“Tau has been great since coming here,” Milford said.
“He has gone through a tough time with his knee but he hasn’t lost any speed and he’s fitted in well with the boys.
“I went to school with Tau and his size was always his strength. He will get better the more games he plays for us.”
Coach Wayne Bennett put his side through a rare Sunday session to kickstart Brisbane’s preparations for the Suncorp Stadium derby.
The past four encounters between the Queensland rivals, dating back to the 2015 grand final, have been epic encounters.
Three games were decided by a field goal, including the Cowboys’ maiden premiership, and last year’s finals thriller was an extra-time blinder.
The Broncos usually have weekends off, but after playing last Thursday, Bennett scheduled three training sessions this week to ensure they are prepared for what is shaping up to be another cracking derby.
While
he is unsure of when he will play again, Marshall looked untroubled by the Achilles problem he has carried since the Auckland Nines.
The 32-year-old was gliding in a game of touch football, however the Broncos are confident Roberts will be fit to face the Cowboys.
Bennett is expecting to have the same 17 available and his staff have experience in dealing with heart scares after Corey Oates was monitored during last year’s Origin series.
Initial indications suggested Moga would take his place against his former club, but he will be monitored throughout the week.
Utility Alex Glenn was restricted to off-field training after suffering concussion in the win against Cronulla.
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