LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Broncos were left reeling after a devastating blow in their clash against Penrith, with their finals hopes now hanging by a thread.
Reece Walsh put on a stellar performance for Brisbane, but it wasn't enough to stop the Panthers from claiming victory in a grand final rematch that left Kevin Walters' side in disarray.
With their injury crisis worsening, Brisbane now faces an uphill battle to keep their season alive.
Halfback Jock Madden's hamstring injury added to their woes, with Walters predicting he will be out for at least a month.
This leaves the Broncos scrambling to find a replacement for their next game against the Dragons, with Josh Rogers likely to step up to the plate.
Walsh was forced to take on a larger role in the team following Madden's injury, showcasing his skills as a playmaker and kicker.
However, the Broncos struggled to make an impact in attack, relying heavily on Walsh to spark some magic on the field.
With Walsh set to miss their next match due to Origin duties, Walters is faced with a significant challenge to fill the void left by their star player.
"The lack of points is a major concern for Brisbane, with their attack struggling to find its rhythm in recent games," noted Paul Vautin.
"It's clear that without Reece Walsh creating opportunities, the Broncos are struggling to make an impact." Brad Fittler echoed this sentiment, highlighting the pressure on Walsh to carry the team in Madden's absence.
As the Broncos lick their wounds and regroup for their next challenge, they must rally together and find a way to overcome adversity if they have any hope of salvaging their season.