Why Brisbane can still win the  title amid injury concerns

Early in the NRL season, Brisbane’s championship aspirations have faced significant hurdles as key players find themselves sidelined due to injuries. Reece Walsh and Payne Haas, prominent figures in the team, are set to endure a month-long absence from the field. Additionally, Adam Reynolds, the team’s captain, was absent from the recent match against Penrith due to a knee problem.

Although the setbacks of Walsh and Haas are anticipated to be short or medium-term, Reynolds is expected to return within the next two weeks. Nevertheless, the Broncos have encountered further challenges with the departure of several key players from their grand final lineup last year. Brad Fittler remarked that this transition has been starkly evident in their performance this season, indicating a departure from their previous success.

Fittler emphasized the importance for the Broncos to secure a spot in the semi-finals by the end of the season, implying a tough road ahead. The NRL premiership, he reminded, can be witnessed live on Nine and 9Now, underscoring the significance of each match.

With one victory in their initial three fixtures and a forthcoming encounter against undefeated rivals North Queensland in round four, coach Kevin Walters faces mounting pressure as expectations loom large over the team. However, Andrew Johns remains optimistic about Brisbane’s prospects, asserting that injuries and suspensions are a common phase for every club during the season. He suggests that the Broncos might be encountering their share of challenges early on and expresses confidence in their enduring competitiveness in the NRL title contention.