By JOEL GOULD
Brisbane Brocos’ Indigenous five eighth Ezra Mam has undergone ankle surgery and is unlikely to play again this season.
The exciting Mam is out of hospital and recovering, with his place in the side taken by Josh Rogers for the raminder of 2024.
With the Broncos six points outside the top eight and needing a minor miracle to play finals, it is doubtful either player will lace a boot again this season.
Coach Kevin Walters, who oversaw the side’s captain’s run in Townsville on Friday, was asked about his and forward Payne Haas’ prospects.
Prop forward Haas has avoided surgery on a foot injury but will miss tomorrow night’s away clash with North Queensland.
“Payne isn’t having surgery so he’s more than likely (to play again) but Ezra is possibly done. Miracles happen,” Walters said.
Meanwhile, Cowboys coach Todd Payten said his sixth-placed side was not being distracted by the Broncos having the blowtorch applied to them after a woeful two months of form.
The rivalry between the clubs, ever since the Cowboys won the 2015 grand final, has ensured no complacency will exist.
“We all know what lies ahead and how big this game is for our club. Motivation and excitement is not a challenge for us this week,” he said.
“What happens on the other side of the fence is irrelevant for us. We are still fighting for the top eight.
“We fought hard after a couple of wobbles early in the season to fight back to where we are. The Origin period has been positive for us and our guys have come back from that arena in good shape and we are not guaranteed yet to play finals.
“So what is happening at other clubs is irrelevant. It is about what we do and how we handle it.”
Co-captain Reuben Cotter is a huge inclusion for the Cowboys after missing last week’s win over Wests Tigers with concussion.
“He didn’t have any symptoms, or in the days after that, which has led to him getting passed easily by the independent specialist,” Payten said.
“He is super excited and knows from experience what these games mean to our club.”
AAP
