Faltering Brisbane have five middle and edge forwards unavailable for the grand-final rematch clash with Penrith as three crunch games loom, but coach Kevin Walters says a top-eight finish is still within his side's grasp.
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The Broncos, in ninth position after four consecutive losses, host the Panthers on Friday night with props Ben Te Kura (foot) and Fletcher Baker (knee) unavailable. Second-rowers Jordan Riki (suspended), Jaiyden Hunt (hand) and Jack Gosiewski (arm) also won't line up.
Gosiewski broke his arm in the 32-16 loss to the Warriors on Saturday and will miss up to eight weeks while Baker suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury and will go for scans.
The Broncos will welcome back State of Origin trio Payne Haas (prop), Patrick Carrigan (lock) and Reece Walsh (fullback) for what looms as a must-win fixture.
Of their top 30 squad the Broncos now have just seven middle and edge forwards to pick from this week and all of them will likely play against the Panthers.
Prop Corey Jensen, versatile Kobe Hetherington, second-rower Brendan Piakura, giant in-form tyro Xavier Willison, veteran Martin Taupau and their two returning Origin forwards are available.
The Broncos host St George-Illawarra in round 19 without Origin players and then face a tough road trip to Newcastle three days after the State of Origin decider.
Riki will be back for the Dragons clash but the Broncos will be light on for that round-19 clash.
Walters rested the Origin trio against the Warriors and copped criticism for it.
"I think it is a really smart decision," he said.
"There's still nine rounds left in the competition. They've still got to get through another Origin game yet.
"I'm just looking after them and putting them first. We know if they get through this period it's full steam ahead.
"We did the same thing last year. Didn't seem to bother anyone too much last year. No one noticed. Funny that.''
The Broncos were in the top two last year. Walters may not have the luxury to rest Origin players against the Knights as the Broncos chase six wins from their last nine games to make the eight.
It is why the injuries to Gosiewski and Baker came at the worst possible time.
"It does affect your depth,'' Walters said.
"That's probably the most concerning thing from the (Warriors) game is two more long-term injuries. So it does make a difference.''
Walters is not panicking and still believes a finals berth is within reach.
"Yeah, definitely," he said.
"If you have a good look at the table there are a few teams like us behind the leaders and all in the race.
"I expect us to get ourselves together sooner rather than later with some really strong performances leading into the finals."
In a boost for the side, Taupau had his best game of the year against the Warriors, running for 161m and making 23 tackles with none missed.
Australian Associated Press
