Adam Reynolds completed a full squad training session on Monday, boosting Brisbane’s hopes in the upcoming encounter with league leaders North Queensland.
The Broncos’ captain and halfback began the training camp with some rehab work on the sidelines before joining the squad for ball work and defensive drills.
The veteran playmaker missed the 34-12 loss to Penrith due to a medial collateral ligament (MCL) strain, but if no issues arise this week, he is expected to return on Friday night against the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium.
Jock Madden filled Reynolds’ position against the Panthers and will step in again if his captain is unavailable.
“Reyno is a speedy healer, so ideally he’ll be guiding the ship around. “If he is not there, we have Jock, who will do an excellent job,” Broncos winger Jesse Arthars said.
“Reyno is our skipper and if he is playing everyone is confident but whoever fills the positions we have faith in.”
As the team exercised, injured fullback Reece Walsh (facial fracture) watched as his replacement against the Cowboys, Tristan Sailor, was put through his paces.
Walsh will be out for four to six weeks, but Sailor filled in admirably for him in four games last year, assisting on six tries and making several try-saving tackles for his club.
“Tristan is a highly classy player who fits in quite well. Reece is clearly our top priority, but Tristan fills in admirably when Reece is unavailable,” Arthars stated.
“We are expecting his best and I am excited for him to get a crack this early in the season.”
Walsh has helped Sailor with his fullback play over the last 12 months, and Arthars said this week will be no exception.
“Tristan has played fullback for a long time. Reece performs one of the best jobs in the game, and I believe they bounce off each other with various views about what works and what doesn’t,” Arthars explained.
“That is ultimately healthy for the club with two different minds coming together.”
Coach Kevin Walters told AAP on Sunday that he was still contemplating whether to keep an outside back on his bench as cover. The Broncos had to change their backline last week after Walsh went down early, which caused a commotion.
One possibility is to put experienced winger Corey Oates at No.17; he has recovered from a knee injury and trained effectively on Monday.
“Oatesy has been training with us the whole time and wherever Kevvie wants to put him there is always a spot for him,” Arthars went on to say.
“If he wants to put him on the bench, he’s a big body with good carries. He can also play multiple positions.
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