The Brisbane Broncos have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their Round 23 clash, with star halves Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam ruled out due to injury. The absence of their first-choice playmakers leaves a major void in the Broncos’ attacking structure, forcing coach Kevin Walters to reshuffle his lineup in a crucial stage of the season. Reynolds, the experienced halfback and captain, has been instrumental in Brisbane’s resurgence this year with his game management, kicking prowess, and leadership. Meanwhile, Mam, the dynamic young five-eighth, has provided flair and creativity, forming a formidable partnership with Reynolds. Their absence will test the Broncos’ depth as they push for a top-four finish.
Initial reports suggest Reynolds is sidelined with a calf strain, while Mam is recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in their previous match. The Broncos have named Jock Madden and Tyson Smoothy as their likely halves pairing, though Walters may also consider moving fullback Reece Walsh into the five-eighth role to inject more attacking spark. Madden, a former Wests Tigers playmaker, has shown promise in limited opportunities but lacks Reynolds’ composure under pressure. Smoothy, primarily a hooker, will need to adapt quickly to the demands of organizing the side in such a key position.
The timing of these injuries couldn’t be worse for the Broncos, who are locked in a tight battle for premiership contention. With only a handful of rounds remaining before the finals, every match is critical, and the loss of their chief playmakers could disrupt their momentum. Reynolds, in particular, has been the glue holding the side together, with his ability to control the tempo of games and deliver in clutch moments. His absence will place added responsibility on the forward pack, led by Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan, to dominate possession and field position.
Meanwhile, the Sydney Roosters are also facing key absences in Round 23, with veteran forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves suspended and backline star Joseph Suaalii undergoing concussion protocols. Waerea-Hargreaves’ aggression and experience in the middle will be sorely missed, particularly in a physical contest against a top-eight opponent. Suaalii’s absence further weakens their outside backs, with the Roosters likely to promote a young talent from their reserves or shift players like Daniel Tupou into different positions.
The Broncos’ clash in Round 23 will be a true test of their premiership credentials. Without Reynolds steering the ship, their ability to execute structured attacking plays may suffer, placing more emphasis on individual brilliance from Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, and Kotoni Staggs. Defensively, the new halves combination will need to be sharp, as opposition teams often target inexperienced playmakers with increased defensive pressure.
For the Roosters, the absence of key personnel presents an opportunity for their depth players to step up. Coach Trent Robinson has always emphasized squad rotation, and this could be a chance for emerging forwards like Naufahu Whyte or Siua Wong to make an impact. In the backs, the Roosters may look to Billy Smith or recruit Corey Allan to fill the void left by Suaalii.
Injuries and suspensions are an inevitable part of rugby league, but how teams adapt often defines their season. The Broncos have shown resilience in the past, but Reynolds’ leadership is irreplaceable. If Madden and Smoothy can gel quickly, Brisbane may still find a way to grind out a win. However, if their attack becomes disjointed, they could struggle against well-organized defenses.
The Roosters, on the other hand, have dealt with key absences throughout the year and have the depth to cover most positions. Their forward pack remains strong even without Waerea-Hargreaves, with the likes of Lindsay Collins and Victor Radley capable of stepping up. The bigger concern may be their outside backs, where Suaalii’s athleticism and try-scoring ability are hard to replace.
As both teams navigate these challenges, the Round 23 fixtures could have significant implications for the finals race. The Broncos cannot afford to drop games if they want to secure a home final, while the Roosters are fighting to stay in the top eight. The absence of Reynolds and Mam may force Brisbane into a more conservative game plan, relying on their forward dominance and Walsh’s brilliance from the back.
For the Roosters, discipline will be key—Waerea-Hargreaves’ absence means they lose some intimidation factor in the middle, but it also reduces the risk of conceding unnecessary penalties. Their halves, Sam Walker and Luke Keary, will need to take control and ensure their side maintains momentum.
The Broncos’ injury crisis also highlights the importance of squad depth in the NRL. While they have talented youngsters, none possess the experience of Reynolds, whose kicking game alone can swing matches. If they are to remain a genuine title threat, others must rise to the occasion. Players like Kurt Capewell and Jordan Riki may need to take on more responsibility in both attack and defense.
For the Roosters, this period could be a blessing in disguise if their younger players seize their opportunities. The club has a history of developing stars, and another breakout performance from a rookie could bolster their finals push.
In the broader context of the NRL season, injuries to key players often reshape the premiership landscape. The Broncos were considered dark horses for the title, but without Reynolds, their chances take a hit. The Roosters, meanwhile, have been inconsistent but remain dangerous when at full strength.
As Round 23 approaches, all eyes will be on how these two teams adjust. The Broncos must find a way to win ugly, while the Roosters need their next-tier players to deliver. In a competition as tight as the NRL, every missing star can be the difference between victory and defeat.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Brisbane can survive without their chief playmaker or if their premiership hopes will fade. For the Roosters, it’s another hurdle in a season full of challenges—but one they are capable of overcoming.
Injuries are the great equalizer in rugby league, and how teams respond often defines their seasons. The Broncos and Roosters now face that test—will they rise or fall when it matters most? Only time will tell.
