Brisbane will be without prop Payne Haas for up to six weeks as he prepares to have knee surgery.
The representative prop worsened a knee injury during the round-two 28-18 victory over South Sydney.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters had previously revealed that Haas will be out of the NRL grand final rematch against Penrith on Thursday night, but he may not return until round nine.
“Payne met with a specialist today, and it was decided that the best course of action for him was to have an arthroscopy next week,” Broncos performance head Dave Ballard said on Wednesday night.
“We always put the player’s long-term health first, and while Payne may miss some games now, we will get a much better result when he returns with the majority of the season remaining to play.
“This kind of surgery has a recovery of up to six weeks, but we know that Payne is always very dedicated to his rehab and we expect no different this time around.”
Haas joins Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds (medial collateral ligament) on the sidelines for the match in Penrith.
Walters had picked Haas in the hopes that the player would be able to complete Wednesday’s captain’s run without incident.
However, the front-rower remained in the rehab group, and Walters had stated that the club will take extra precautions after Haas’ knee flared up.
Fletcher Baker, a Roosters recruit, will make his Broncos debut in the starting lineup, while rookie prop Xavier Willison will come into the 17.
“Payne won’t be playing,” Walters stated.
“We’ll start with Fletcher Baker. Xavier Willison enters the 17 and is a fantastic talent.
“(Payne) believes he is letting the squad down, but he isn’t.
“He did not feel 100 percent today. He is an important player for us, therefore we will play him when he is healthy.”
Walters stated that Baker had been “very solid” and merited his start.
The coach is certain Reynolds’ replacement, Jock Madden, will step up against Nathan Cleary.
“This is an amazing opportunity for Jock. “He participated in the trials, and we enjoy what he brings to our team,” he said.
“He had the choice between us and Penrith (before signing with Brisbane), and I am glad he chose us.
“He has an opportunity tomorrow night to reward the Broncos and his teammates with an outstanding performance.
“He has matured significantly, particularly under Adam’s (Reynolds’) leadership and guidance.”
“He has all of the skills. We are sure that he will continue to improve, and you will see it against the Panthers.”
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