Reece Walsh injury blow for Brisbane Broncos as young gun gets debut against Manly
Brisbane have suffered another injury blow with fullback Reece Walsh ruled out of their Manly clash with a knee injury.
The Broncos will switch centre Selwyn Cobbo to No.1 and give Josiah Karapani his NRL debut in the centres, coach Kevin Walters said ahead of Friday night’s Magic Round showdown. Karapani, 22, has been shining for Burleigh in the Queensland Cup.
“Walshy has pulled up lame during the week with his knee and is not quite right today so we will leave him out bring Josiah in at left centre,” Walters said on Thursday.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“We picked Josiah up from Souths last year. He started the year a bit slow but has really accelerated his form the last couple of weeks. I like his speed and his whole attitude shift. It is really positive for him.
“I don’t think it will be a long-term thing for Reece. I think a week (out) to get it steady. He is just favouring it, which I picked up this morning.”
Brisbane don’t have the option of playing Tristan Sailor at fullback because he is out for at least a month with an ankle injury.
Cobbo has played fullback before with panache.
“It is nice for him to be interchanged between those positions and he played their before with great success,” Walters said.
“We expect nothing more than his best tomorrow night for us.”
The Broncos are already without captain Adam Reynolds for 12 weeks with a ruptured biceps. His absence will give Jock Madden an extended run at No.7.
Manly have their own injury woes due to the hamstring injury to Tom Trbojevic.
They will play electric centre Tolutau Koula at fullback.
