Broncos facing injury woes
Brisbane faces the prospect of heading to Canberra without any of their top four playmakers after Michael Ennis injured his knee during training on Saturday morning.
Already without Darren Lockyer and Peter Wallace, the Broncos are now worried about Ennis being a late withdrawal on top of PJ Marsh's torn bicep.
Brisbane won't make a final call on Ennis until Sunday morning, adding further chaos to their preparation for a game in the cold cauldron of the capital.
Queensland junior representative Andrew McCullough is on stand-by for Ennis.
Shane Perry at half and David Stagg at five-eight will be forced to lead the patched-together back line.
Coach Wayne Bennett has made one unforced change with winger Reece Robinson dropped in favour of debutant Kane Manihera.
"Kane has been playing good for Redcliffe and he played well for Queensland Residents on Wednesday night," Broncos assistant coach Ivan Henjak said.
"He has got himself into shape so it is time to give him a crack at the NRL."
Canberra will now see more than an outside chance of beating the 2006 premiers. The Raiders have lost just twice at home this season - to Melbourne and Manly.
Sitting 12th on the NRL table, Canberra have had their share of injuries and suspensions this season and coach Neil Henry admits the side has to take control of its season on Sunday.
"We get an opportunity here to play Broncos after Origin, we get an opportunity to play Melbourne in Melbourne after Origin," Henry said.
"We've got to take those opportunities."
One player taking his opportunities will be Canberra debutant Justin Carney who just four years ago was riding horses in equestrian events.
"It's a good birthday present, I'll tell you that much," Carney said.
"The first thing on my mind is just to settle down and I should be right after that."
It will be debutant on debutant with Carney to face Manihera.
Canberra will be boosted by the return of prop Michael Weyman after a seven week suspension for punching Gold Coast centre Daniel Conn.
Weyman said he had spent plenty of time thinking about the brain snap.
"It's been a long time," Weyman said.
"I owe a lot to the fans and the players. I think I've got to concentrate on football and not worry about that other stuff."
Post a comment about this article
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.