Broncos issue post-surgery health update on Adam Reynolds and Payne Haas

Payne Haas is expected to be ready to face the Sydney Roosters in Round 1 after undergoing ankle surgery while Broncos captain Adam Reynolds is also on track for the season opener.

Reynolds had neck surgery in December after a season in which he played just 13 NRL games, the lowest number in his 13-year career, due mainly to a biceps rupture.

The most recent operation has been successful, and Broncos head of performance Dave Ballard said Reynolds would be available to lead the side in the blockbuster in Sydney on March 6.

“Reyno’s rehab is progressing well. He’s already begun non-contact sessions with the squad and is still on track to be ready for Round 1,” Ballard said.

The veteran half’s positive progress comes as prop Payne Haas works his way back from ankle surgery, a path taken one week after a training incident.

Haas is expected to be ready for the Roosters showdown in Round 1.

But his absence from pre-season matches will give bench specialist Kobe Hetherington more of a chance to convince new coach Michael Maguire that he deserves a starting spot, which could potentially move Pat Carrigan from lock to the front row.

“The surgery was a minor clean-out of the ankle,” Ballard said.

“In consultation with the medical staff, we felt it was best for Payne to get it done now before the start of the season.

“We expect him to spend several weeks with our rehab staff, before he’s integrated back into the full squad ahead of Round 1.”

Meanwhile, Maguire is preparing to make a crucial decision on the make-up of his spine.

The race for the hooker and No.14 jersey is the most competitive at Red Hill, with four contenders — Billy Walters, Cory Paix, Blake Mozer and Tyson Smoothy — all doing their best to impress the coach.

Maguire is keeping his cards close to his chest and making the battle one of suspense as he rotates his rakes with regularity at training.

Paix has without doubt moved up in the pecking order after being consigned to Queensland Cup for the 2024 season, where he did not play an NRL match.

Walters is the incumbent and is having pressure put on him by 20-year-old Mozer, who has a wily skill-set at his disposal.

The absence of Reynolds in most field sessions has also given Maguire more of a look in drills at 18-year-old half Coby Black.

The highly rated teenager has impressed with his kicking game and possesses a booming boot that has tested fullback Reece Walsh at training.

- with 7NEWS