New Zealand pair David Vaealiki and Jason Cayless were the major casualties from those who backed up from Friday's Test to play in round seven of the National Rugby League.

Fellow Kiwi and Penrith forward Joe Galuvao was another, missing most of Sunday's 32-14 loss to Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium because of an eye injury.

Parramatta's Vaealiki suffered a season-ending injury when he snapped his Achilles tendon during Cronulla's exciting 18-14 golden point victory over the Eels at Parramatta Stadium.

The fact the Broncos had five players backing up from the Test didn't harm their form as they outscored the Panthers six tries to two in front of more than 37,000 fans.

The victory keeps them on top of the ladder on ten points equal with the Sydney Roosters and the Bulldogs, who should outleap both teams when they play South Sydney at Aussie Stadium on Monday.

The Panthers had six people backing up from the Test, won 37-10 by Australia, and coach John Lang said he'd expect nothing less from such high-calibre players.

"I thought all the blokes stepped up but to be honest that's exactly what you'd expect," said Lang as the premiers slipped to seventh with back-to-back losses.

"They're not going to be Test players if they can't back up.

"They're the country's finest so you shouldn't be surprised when they're tough and back up and play consistently."

Roosters coach Ricky Stuart said Cayless should not have been selected to play in the Test because of concern about a knee injury he suffered in round two.

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