Broncos sweat over Hodges, Hunt injuries
Brisbane fullback Karmichael Hunt is expected to be fit for Friday's NRL local derby showdown with the Gold Coast but Test centre Justin Hodges is rated "touch and go".
However, Broncos hooker Aaron Gorrell will definitely miss the clash and spend a few weeks on the sidelines after again damaging the AC joint in his shoulder during Sunday's 22-20 loss to Manly.
Hunt (corked thigh) and Hodges (hamstring), who were sorely missed against the defending premiers at Suncorp Stadium, will have their injuries checked later in the week.
Gorrell, who displayed tremendous courage to stick out the last 20 minutes against the Sea Eagles despite being in considerable pain, had the injury confirmed after a scan on Monday and the club will know the full extent of the problem by Tuesday.
"He showed a lot of heart to guts that injury out on Sunday, it was a pretty fair effort on his part to do that," said Broncos physical performance director Dean Benton.
"I can't rap the guy enough, I don't think he's made an error all year."
Benton also admitted the Broncos staff faced a delicate balancing act to prepare the players for the visit of the five-placed Titans.
Skipper Darren Lockyer, halfback Peter Wallace and winger Israel Folau are all set to back-up for their third game in seven days.
"Hunt should come up okay this week and Hodgo is certainly a concern and he'll be touch and go," said Benton.
"It will only be seven days since he presented with (hamstring) symptoms after the Test match and given his injury history he will need to be carefully assessed by the physio and medical staff."
Brisbane won't train until Wednesday, giving the players 48 hours to recover in a short week.
The Titans also face a difficult preparation and had Test forward Anthony Laffranchi charged on Monday with a striking offence that could see him miss Friday's match.
"Obviously they (players) are leg weary but the biggest thing is mental fatigue," said Benton.
"These guys suffer huge adrenalin dumps and have to get themselves up mentally and overcome muscle soreness."
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