Broncos star Deine Mariner has undergone surgery after playing through a corked thigh in the loss to the Roosters on Saturday night.
It is the latest blow for an injury-hit Brisbane side already missing Payne Haas, Corey Jensen and Ben Hunt, with Adam Reynolds also concussed in the defeat and Kotoni Staggs hit with a ban.
The Broncos are yet to determine when Mariner could return to action.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow
“Deine Mariner has suffered an acute compartment syndrome injury to the right thigh during last night’s match against the Roosters,” the club said on Sunday morning.
“He has been admitted to hospital in Sydney overnight and has undergone surgery this morning.
“The Broncos will provide a further update following consultation between club medical staff and his surgeon.”
Mariner spent some time off the field with the corkie before returning late in the game to cover for Josiah Karapani (ankle).
“Deine probably shouldn’t have gone back out but that’s what they’re doing for each other,” coach Michael Maguire said.
“I could talk about many other players, but that’s what the competition is demanding of you at the moment.
“Deine, straight away he jumped up and out he went. So they’re competing really hard for each other, they just need to be smarter.”
Meanwhile, Staggs will be another out for the Broncos when they face Manly next Saturday night.
The centre has been hit with a two-game ban for an elbow to the head of Roosters opposite Hugo Savala, or three if he unsuccessfully challenges the charge at the judiciary.
Staggs was sin-binned for his brain fade.
“Kotoni plays aggressive, he wouldn’t have meant to do any harm,” teammate Pat Carrigan said.
Maguire appears likely to be missing 13 of his top 30 players for the clash with the Sea Eagles.
Karapani has yet to undergo scans but is expected to miss game time, with fears he has suffered a syndesmosis injury.
Brisbane went to the NRL for special dispensation to play train-and-trial forward Preston Riki from outside their contracted player list for the Round 7 clash with Wests Tigers and may have to do so again.
Versatile Jesse Arthars is set to come in and take one of the wing positions.
Hayze Perham, who shone on club debut at fullback against Canterbury a fortnight ago, has played wing and centre at NRL level in the past and is another option.
Accomplished young gun Thomas Duffy replaced Reynolds against the Roosters and performed well at No.7. He also kicks goals with precision and will fill that Reynolds role.
Brisbane’s outside back stocks were already thin, with Grant Anderson (knee) and Delouise Hoeter (leg) both unavailable until at least Round 15.
– with AAP
