The Brisbane Broncos were dealt a significant blow last night as three key players—captain and halfback Adam Reynolds, five-eighth Ezra Mam, and winger Selwyn Cobbo—suffered hamstring injuries during their match. The timing could hardly be worse for the Broncos, who are in the thick of the NRL finals race, and the absence of these pivotal players threatens to derail their campaign at a critical juncture. While initial reports suggest Reynolds may return in time for the finals—should the Broncos qualify—the outlook is far grimmer for Mam and Cobbo, both of whom are expected to be sidelined for at least four weeks. The injuries come at a moment when the Broncos can ill afford to lose their star playmakers, raising questions about the team’s depth, resilience, and ability to adapt under pressure.
Adam Reynolds, the Broncos’ captain and chief orchestrator, has been instrumental in their resurgence this season. His leadership, game management, and clutch kicking have been the backbone of Brisbane’s attack, and his absence leaves a gaping hole in the side. Reynolds’ experience and composure under pressure have often been the difference in tight contests, and without him, the Broncos will need to rely on less seasoned players to steer the ship. Early indications suggest that the club is hopeful he will return in time for the finals, but that scenario hinges on Brisbane securing a top-eight spot without him—a far from certain prospect given the competitive nature of this year’s NRL ladder.
The loss of Ezra Mam is another major setback. The young five-eighth has been one of the Broncos’ most exciting talents this season, combining creativity, speed, and a fearless running game to trouble opposition defences. His partnership with Reynolds in the halves has been crucial to Brisbane’s attacking structure, and without him, the team loses a key playmaking option. Mam’s ability to break the line and create opportunities out of nothing has bailed the Broncos out of tough situations on multiple occasions this year, and replacing his dynamism will be no easy task. With a recovery timeline of at least four weeks, Mam faces a race against the clock to return before the season’s end, leaving the Broncos scrambling for solutions in the interim.
Equally concerning is the injury to Selwyn Cobbo, one of the most dangerous wingers in the competition. Cobbo’s combination of power, pace, and aerial ability makes him a constant threat, and his absence weakens Brisbane’s backline significantly. Whether finishing tries, returning kicks, or providing defensive stability, Cobbo has been a consistent performer for the Broncos, and losing him for an extended period is a major blow. Like Mam, he is expected to miss at least a month, meaning the Broncos will have to rely on less experienced outside backs to fill the void.
The immediate question for coach Kevin Walters is how to reshuffle his squad to cover for these losses. With Reynolds out, the most likely scenario is that Tyson Smoothy or Jock Madden will step into the halves, though neither possesses the same level of control or big-game experience as the Broncos’ skipper. Mam’s absence could see the return of veteran Kurt Capewell to the five-eighth role or the promotion of a younger player like Josh Rogers, but neither option offers the same attacking spark as Mam. On the wing, the Broncos may turn to Jesse Arthars or Delouise Hoeter, but neither has Cobbo’s game-breaking ability.
Beyond the tactical adjustments, the injuries also test the Broncos’ mental resilience. Losing three key players in one match is a brutal twist of fate, and how the squad responds will define their season. The Broncos have shown glimpses of their potential this year, but consistency has been an issue. Without Reynolds’ steadying influence, Mam’s creativity, and Cobbo’s X-factor, the team will need others to step up. Players like Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan, and Reece Walsh will now carry even greater responsibility, and their performances in the coming weeks could determine whether Brisbane’s season ends in September or extends into the finals.
The timing of these injuries also raises questions about player workload and management. Hamstring strains are often linked to fatigue, and with the NRL season being a gruelling marathon, clubs must carefully monitor their stars to avoid soft-tissue injuries. The Broncos will no doubt review whether these injuries could have been prevented with different training loads or rotation policies, but for now, the focus must be on recovery and adaptation.
For Reynolds, the priority will be ensuring he is fit for a potential finals campaign. At 33 years old, his body requires careful management, and the Broncos will not want to rush him back prematurely. His leadership will be sorely missed in the coming weeks, but if he can return for the finals, it would provide a massive boost to Brisbane’s hopes. Mam and Cobbo, both younger players, will need to undergo rigorous rehabilitation to ensure they return at full strength, but with four weeks being a best-case scenario, the Broncos may have to plan for life without them in the regular season.
The wider NRL landscape will also be watching closely. The Broncos’ misfortune could open the door for rival teams battling for finals positioning, such as the Dolphins, Warriors, or Knights, to capitalise. In a competition as tight as this year’s, every injury to a key player can shift the balance of power, and Brisbane’s rivals will sense an opportunity to pounce.
Ultimately, the Broncos’ season now hangs in the balance. Injuries are an unavoidable part of rugby league, but losing three stars simultaneously is a cruel twist. The next few weeks will reveal whether Brisbane has the depth and mental toughness to overcome this adversity or if their 2023 campaign will fizzle out in disappointing fashion. One thing is certain: the Broncos’ premiership hopes have just become a lot harder to realise.
