Adam Reynolds out as Broncos rocked by Payne Haas blow for NRL grand final rematch

Kevin Walters has confirmed Adam Reynolds won’t play in the NRL grand final rematch between Brisbane and Penrith, while also admitting Payne Haas is in massive doubt. The Broncos revealed on Saturday that Reynolds had escaped serious injury after leaving the field with 10 minutes remaining in Brisbane’s win over Souths last Thursday night.

But scans revealed a medial collateral ligament (MCL) strain – a recurrence of an injury Reynolds sustained in the pre-season. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Broncos coach Walters said his veteran halfback won’t play against the Panthers in round three.

“Reyno won’t be playing and won’t be named. He is out,” Walters said, revealing Jock Madden would take over the No.7 jersey.

Payne Haas in serious doubt for Broncos and Panthers clash

But the news could get even worse for the Broncos, with star forward Haas unable to train on Sunday and racing the clock to be fit for Thursday night’s grand final rematch. Reynolds and Haas were in rehab on Sunday, and neither took part in the team session.

“Payne has been named but we are not 100 per cent sure he will be playing yet,” Walters said. “He has still got a bit of a problem with his knee. He’s had some scans and there wasn’t too much there, but … he is still not right to go at this stage.”

Haas went up the tunnel during the Rabbitohs game, but returned in the second half and finished the game. His absence would be a huge blow as the Broncos look to get revenge over the Panthers after their 26-24 loss in last year’s grand final. If the NSW and Kangaroos prop is unable to play, Walters said Xavier Willison would come into the 17 to face the Panthers.

Walters also revealed that Reece Walsh sustained a minor injury against the Rabbitohs after the star fullback was seen in a no-contact red training bib on Sunday. After doing his own warm-up, Walsh took part in an opposed session against Broncos affiliate club Wynnum-Manly.

“Reece is fine,” Walters said. “He just has a bit of a cork. He will be right.”