Brave Broncos hold off Raiders despite injuries to Payne Haas, Adam Reynolds and Herbie Farnworth

Brisbane’s win over Canberra came at a potentially huge cost, with the Broncos losing Payne Haas, Adam Reynolds and Herbie Farnworth to significant injuries.

The Broncos clinched a seventh straight win and consolidated fourth spot on the ladder following a 24-18 victory at Suncorp Stadium that was marred by injuries to the key trio. 

Haas departed in the first half with a right AC joint injury that will leave New South Wales coach Brett Fittler sweating on the status of the giant prop ahead of Game Two of the State of Origin series on June 26.

The Broncos lost Payne Haas (right) to an AC shoulder injury in the first half on Saturday, while Adam Reynolds (left) departed with a rib injury

Making his comeback from a groin injury Reynolds visibly struggled halfway through the second half before being eventually forced off the field with a rib problem, while Farnworth followed him to the sheds shortly afterward with a torn bicep.   

Without rested State of Origin trio Selwyn Cobbo, Kurt Capewell and Kotoni Staggs, Brisbane trailed 18-16 at halftime but edged ahead before securing a famous win inspired by livewire five-eighth Ezra Mam.

The latter’s  exit after a head knock with one minute to play left Brisbane without a man on the bench, but the Raiders coughed up possession immediately to let them off the hook.

All three Brisbane injuries are key concerns for Walters ahead of Friday’s clash with second-placed Melbourne, who beat the Roosters 26-18 earlier on Saturday.

Haas’ injury will be a huge concern for NSW coach Brad Fittler ahead of Origin II on June 26

Reynolds didn’t last the whole 80 minutes on his first game back since a groin injury

While Herbie Farnworth was withdrawn shortly afterward with a bicep problem

Asked if the victory was the bravest he’d seen from the club, Walters replied, ‘Certainly, mate – yeah.

‘In my time as a player and on the staff, I can’t remember a team that’s had so many injuries. It was a great effort by everyone. We just ran out of troops at the end.’ 

Brenko Lee and Jordan Pereira both stepped up in their club debuts and Tom Flegler (168 run metres) was massive alongside relentless Queensland debutant Pat Carrigan (159m, 44 tackles).

Joseph Tapine (209m) and Cory Horsburgh (173m) were explosive for the Raiders while NSW centre Jack Wighton was dangerous in backing up from Wednesday night’s loss but couldn’t help land the killer blow.

The Raiders led 18-16 after a tit-for-tat first half, the sides trading tries and highlights.

The Broncos have now won seven games in a row and consolidated their top-four spot

Ezra Mam starred for the Broncos against Canberra, before being forced off with a head knock

Mam showed his talent with a vicious step inside to score the first try, before Nick Cotric won the contest for a high ball to reply for the Raiders. 

In their first games for Brisbane, Lee and Pereira combined on the right edge to put the latter over.

Raiders prop Corey Horsburgh twisted and stretched to plant the ball next to the posts, Herbie Farnworth coming straight back at the visitors when he finished another expansive Brisbane backline movement.

Raiders prop Corey Horsburgh was explosive for Canberra, racking up 173 metres 

Fresh from State of Origin duties, Jack Wighton was also in the thick of the action

But Adam Elliot had the final say of the whirlwind half, running on to Josh Papalii’s short ball to score.

A soft linebreak to begin the second half allowed Mam to work his magic again and set up Farworth’s second try, before a Reynolds penalty extended the lead to six points.

Reynolds was limping off soon after, swiftly joined by Farnworth as the Broncos hung on for dear life with a one-man bench that was reduced to zero by Mam’s late exit.