Snapped ankle hobbles Su’A, Broncos flag hopes

BRISBANE’S premiership hopes are crumbling with backrower Jaydn Su’A set to miss the remainder of the NRL season with a broken ankle.

Su’A has joined Origin stars Matt Gillett and Jack Bird in Brisbane’s casualty ward as they face an injury crisis at the business end of the season.

The Broncos slumped to a shock 26- 6 loss to the Warriors on Sunday, which put a dent in their quest for a crucial top four finish.

Brisbane is eighth on the ladder ahead of Friday night’s crucial clash against fifth- placed Penrith at Suncorp Stadium.

In a boost for the Broncos, Origin duo Andrew McCullough and Josh McGuire yesterday escaped suspension despite being charged with contrary conduct.

But the news wasn’t so good for Su’A, with the 20- year- old facing surgery and an early finish to the season.

“Jaydn has a broken ankle and will be going to see the surgeon ( today) to decide what is next,” Broncos high performance manager Jeremy Hickmans said. “With the extent of the injury there is the possibility that he could be out for the rest of the year.”

Su’A had been terrific for the Broncos in 15 appearances this season and was a crucial cog in Wayne Bennett’s plans during the absence of Test star Gillett, whose broken neck has been compounded by a calf injury.

Bennett could be forced to keep teen backrow gun David Fifita in his starting side for the Panthers clash and is sweating on Tongan wrecking ball Tevita Pangai Jr.

Pangai Jr missed the Warriors game with hamstring tightness and will be on light duties today.

The Broncos need at least three wins from their remaining seven matches to secure a finals berth, and retiring prop Sam Thaiday said Pangai Jr would be a crucial addition.

“He’s a big, strong, powerful forward,” Thaiday said. “I still think the best play in the game that any player can give you is a quick play- the- ball. Tevita’s up there with one of the best in beating a player one- on- one … and getting a quick play- the- ball.”

McCullough was hit with a $ 1150 fine after unloading a flurry of punches on Warriors forward Chris Satae, while McGuire was fined $ 1700 for making contact with a referee.

Origin stars Corey Oates, James Roberts, McCullough and McGuire won’t train today.