LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Corey Parker has thrown down the gauntlet, declaring the Broncos are in for a tough battle heading to Penrith on Thursday.
The Maroons legend has dropped a bombshell by claiming that the absence of powerhouse prop Payne Haas will hit the Broncos harder than the potential loss of James Fisher-Harris for the Panthers in the NRL grand final rematch.
Haas limped off the field during the match against the Rabbitohs, nursing a knee injury that kept him sidelined from training over the weekend.
Despite being named for the upcoming clash, coach Kevin Walters is unsure if Haas will be fit to take the field, as he continues to work with the rehab group.
"Payne is in the lineup, but his knee is still causing him trouble.
We're keeping a close eye on his progress," Walters revealed.
The Broncos are already reeling from the loss of Adam Reynolds to a knee sprain, which means fans will miss out on another fiery showdown between the Brisbane halfback and Penrith's Nathan Cleary.
With Reynolds sidelined and Jock Madden stepping in at No.7, the Broncos will have their work cut out for them against the Panthers.
Meanwhile, Penrith may have to make do without Fisher-Harris, who departed the field early in their last game against the Warriors.
Coach Ivan Cleary is preparing for the prospect of being without the dynamic prop for the grand final rematch, adding another layer of intrigue to this eagerly anticipated clash.