Brisbane’s hopes of a top-four NRL finish have been hit by a backline crisis with winger Dale Copley the latest player to be sidelined after fracturing his fibula.
The 20-year-old sustained the injury in the first-half of the third-placed Broncos’ 10-8 win over the Warriors on Friday and is likely to miss a minimum four games.
Copley is the third Brisbane player to break his leg this year and his injury is almost identical to the one suffered by centre Jack Reed last week.
Jharal Yow-Yeh is also out for the season following the sickening compound fracture of his right lower leg against South Sydney in round four in Perth.
The club also released the talented Dane Gagai to Newcastle this year after losing patience with the 21-year-old’s poor attitude.
Broncos’ general manager of football operations Andrew Gee admits the loss of Copley is a big blow but said there are plenty of options available to coach Anthony Griffin.
“It’s very disappointing for us as Dale was playing some really good footy,” Gee told AAP.
“Losing two players who play on the left side to the same injury in successive weeks is an unfortunate coincidence, but hopefully we can cope.
“Our strength in depth is good and it’s times like this that we need to utilise it.”
Lachlan Maranta and Aaron Whitchurch have both played this season and are expected to battle it out for a spot in the side to face Gold Coast on Friday.
Gee said a decision is yet to be made about who will play, but didn’t rule out moving the versatile Matt Gillett out wide.
“Matt has the talent to play pretty much anywhere and spent time on the wing in a game a few years back and scored two tries,” he said.
“I am not saying that’s what we will do, but it is an option we have.”
Copley has been told he will be out for between four to six weeks and is hopeful of it being the former.
“It’s a bit of a freak injury and hopefully it’s only four games I miss and I can be back before the finals with a bit of luck,” Copley said.
“Josh Hoffman was being driven back in-goal and I was just trying to help him.
“I just copped a little knock and rolled over on my ankle and I just felt something go. It’s just bad luck.”
Copley expects the Titans to present a stern test for the Broncos at Skilled Park following their excellent performance in Canberra where they beat the Raiders 38-26.
“It’s a big game down the Coast and they are always good games to play in,” he said.
“They had a good win and are hitting their straps. Hopefully, whoever comes can do a job and we can pick up the two points and stay in that top four.”
