Walters says Broncos grand final injury concerns overblown

Broncos coach Kevin Walters is confident that all named players will participate in Sunday’s anticipated grand final clash against Penrith, brushing off injury concerns that surfaced earlier this week.

There was a moment of anxiety within the Broncos camp on Tuesday when their main centre, Herbie Farnworth, appeared to have sustained an injury, limping off the training ground before the session ended. The worries didn’t stop there, as both Reece Walsh and Adam Reynolds had to undergo treatment for minor leg injuries.

The Broncos are a $2.30 chance of causing a boil-over in the NRL grand final, with Penrith priced at $1.62 to win with online bookmakers.

Addressing these concerns, Walters, speaking on SENQ Breakfast, said, “They are all good. Just a few little niggles.” He elaborated on the specifics, noting, “Herbie was a bit tight through his quad, Payne Haas was a bit sore in the shoulder, and Reece Walsh was tight in the hamstring.” Walters, however, reassured fans that these issues were merely “precautionary.”

“We’re only three days post-game, and it’s common for players to feel a bit sore and stiff,” Walters said. “The 17 players named will be right to go on Sunday night.”

The Broncos will be heading to Sydney on Wednesday to face the Panthers, a team no stranger to the grand final, having appeared in it for the past four years. In contrast, it’s been a six-year gap for the Broncos, who are eager to clinch their first title in 17 years.

Despite the old football saying, you need to lose one to win one, the current Broncos lineup, especially with the dynamism of Walsh and the seasoned prowess of Reynolds, seems ready to defy that notion.

Walters emphasized the importance of relishing grand final week, especially considering the team’s journey from winning the wooden spoon just three years ago to being on the cusp of a NRL premiership.

“We need to embrace the week,” Walters urged. He continued, highlighting the meticulous planning the team has undertaken: “We’ve been well planned, and that’s a real credit to the coaching staff.

“We have experienced staff who have all played in big games before, and some really good experienced players on the field.”

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