The Brisbane Broncos’ mounting injury toll has claimed another victim with scans confirming that star fullback Reece Walsh has sustained a facial fracture in Thursday’s 34-12 loss to the Penrith Panthers.
Walsh collided with Panthers centre Taylan May in the opening minutes and whilst Walsh passed his head injury assessment, he did not return to the field as he was unable to see through his left eye due to significant swelling.
In a statement released on Friday, Broncos head of performance Dave Ballard said: “Walsh was taken to hospital after (the team) arrived back at the hotel.
“He underwent a CT scan which showed a facial fracture.
“As a result, he cannot fly home and is being driven back up to Brisbane today by our staff.
“We will be able to determine how much footy Reece will miss once the injury settles down and after we consult a specialist in the coming days.
“Reece’s wellbeing is our priority and ensuring he is well looked after.
“We will get him safely back to Brisbane and then move forward.”
Walsh joins captain Adam Reynolds and prop Payne Haas in the casualty ward for Brisbane.
Reynolds has an MCL sprain and has no timeline on his return whilst Haas will undergo surgery on his knee and will sit on the sidelines for up to six weeks.
The Broncos return to Suncorp Stadium in Round 4 to take on the North Queensland Cowboys.