NRL 2024: Broncos lose Reece Walsh for Magic Round, Selwyn Cobbo looks to extend frightening record against Manly

Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters says superstar fullback Reece Walsh pulled up “lame” with a knee injury that has forced him out of Friday night’s Magic Round clash against Manly. But Walters was adamant it was not a long-term issue, and Walsh could miss just a single match, ensuring his State of Origin campaign for Queensland was in no doubt. It’s another blow for Brisbane who are dealing with a staggering injury list, with Selwyn Cobbo to shift to fullback against a Sea Eagles side also missing their biggest star in Tom Trbojevic. Josiah Karapani will make his NRL debut at left centre, with Walsh expected to be back next week. “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,” Broncos coach Kevin Walters said. “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.” Walsh’s absence means Cobbo will play at fullback for the first time since round 1 last year, with the imposing outside back looking to extend his incredible record of scoring hat-tricks in back-to-back games against Manly at Magic Round. “Selwyn will go back to fullback and Josiah will play left centre. It’s a late adjustment but we’re comfortable with that,” Walters said. “It’s nice for Selwyn to be able to interchange between those positions. “We love what Walshy brings and what Selwyn brings at fullback as well. “He is a different type of fullback. He is big, powerful and strong and we’d like to see that from Selwyn. “He has played fullback before for us with great success, so we expect nothing more than his best for us.” While Walsh is tipped to be back soon, he joins the injury list at the Broncos that includes Adam Reynolds, Billy Walters, Jesse Arthars and Tristan Sailor, who would have replaced Walsh if he was fit. “Everyone is in the same position with injuries,” Walters said. “We are fighting on hard with what we have here, we have got good depth here and that is being tested at the moment.”