Origin stars take a break as Haas, Walsh and Carrigan to sit out NZ Warriors clash
Brisbane have resisted the urge to rush Reece Walsh to Auckland for their crunch clash with the Warriors, leaving all three of their State of Origin stars in Australia.
Broncos Coach Kevin Walters. (Photo: AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
Desperate to snap a three-game NRL losing streak, the Broncos had considered playing Walsh against the Warriors on Saturday.
But coach Kevin Walters has ultimately decided it is not worth the risk on a short turnaround after Origin, with Walsh, Patrick Carrigan and Payne Haas to miss the clash.
“They’re all back in Australia,” Walters said on Friday.
“We decided to leave them there. That was the original plan at the start of the year, it’s just too taxing for them.
“Also it gives opportunities for our guys. Marty Taupau and Fletcher Baker come into the side, and it’s been a couple of weeks since they’ve had an opportunity.
“They’ve been champing at the bit to get in. Tristan Sailor will be our fullback. I am very comfortable with the side we have for tomorrow.”
The trio’s absence adds to a worrying list of outs for the Broncos.
The club are still without halfback Adam Reynolds for at least another month, having dropped three of five games since he suffered a bicep injury.
Jordan Riki is suspended, while Corey Oates remains out with a knee issue.
A loss to the Warriors would likely see last year’s grand finalists drop out of the top eight, after starting the year as one of the premiership favourites.
“We’ve got to play well, control the ball. High completions. Defence we have really focused on in the past month,” Walters said.
“Although we are conceding a few points, I feel like we are better in that space. We’ll need to be good tomorrow night.
“(Having players out to Origin) is nothing new for us. This time of year most of the clubs, including the Warriors, have been affected by Origin.
“You just have to get on with things. We’re very confident with the squad we’ve got here, and we just have to do the job tomorrow night.”
Walters knows the Warriors also need a bounce-back, after being embarrassed 66-6 by Gold Coast last week.
Their season is now hanging by a thread, slumping from 2023’s feel-good story to 13th on the ladder and likely needing six wins from their last nine games.
“We know they will respond well. They are a classy side,” Walters said.
“But this week has been more about us. We’ve focused more on us and how we can play well tomorrow night.
“We’ve got a plan there, it’s more about executing our plan.”
