LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Melbourne have claimed the top position in the NRL ladder, while Brisbane's aspirations for a top-four finish have taken a significant hit due to bizarre injuries sustained by their halves, Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam, at AAMI Park.
Both players were injured while attempting to chase Xavier Coates, who intercepted a looping pass just 10 metres from the tryline. Despite Selwyn Cobbo executing an incredible try-saving tackle that forced Coates into touch, the consequences for the Broncos were dire.
Mam incurred his injury during a diving tackle, while the 35-year-old Reynolds pulled up after running about 20 metres, visibly grabbing at his leg. The pair are set to undergo scans to assess the extent of their injuries. Concerns have also emerged regarding Cobbo, who might have suffered a hamstring injury late in the match. The potential absence of these three players poses a serious challenge for sixth-placed Brisbane as they aim for a top-four position in the remaining season rounds.
At the time of the injuries, the Broncos held a narrow 2-0 lead, with fullback Reece Walsh missing a certain try due to a forward pass after a 30-metre run by prop Payne Haas, who showed no lingering effects from a leg infection that had kept him out of the previous match.
However, in the 28th minute, Melbourne's makeshift halfback Tyran Wishart took advantage of the situation and scored the opening try, slipping through a gap in the defense.