Broncos facing captains dilemma

KEVIN Walters faces a captaincy dilemma ahead of Friday’s Magic Round match against Manly, with both skipper Alex Glenn and stand-in captain Patrick Carrigan out injured.

The club confirmed that Carrigan would miss the remainder of the season after rupturing his ACL against the Cowboys on Saturday night.

Glenn is working hard to return from a calf injury this weekend, but if he fails this week’s fitness test, it will leave Walters with few options to lead the side out onto Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

Under-fire playmaker Anthony Milford will be the most experienced Brisbane player this weekend, which could see him go from Intrust Super Cup player to Broncos captain within a matter of three weeks.

Meanwhile, forward leaders Payne Haas, Tevita Pangai Jr and Matt Lodge – who each have had their own past indiscretions – are also likely contenders for the role.

The dilemma comes at a critical time for the Broncos, who are 2-7 from their opening nine games and face a red-hot Manly side on Friday.

Carrigan’s injury is a huge blow for the club, with the 23year-old workhorse expected to go under the knife in the coming days to repair the damage in his knee.

“Unfortunately our worst fears were confirmed by the scan in that Pat has a ruptured ACL,” Broncos head of performance Andrew Croll said.

“Pat will see a surgeon this week to confirm the next course of action, which will be surgery.

“He will miss the remainder of the 2021 season and the club is providing Pat with all the support he needs.”

The loss of Carrigan opens the door for utility John Asiata to claim the No.13 jersey on Friday. Brisbane teammate Rhys Kennedy said it was big shoes to fill to replace a player like Carrigan.

“He gets through a lot of work on the field,” he said.