Brisbane’s Jack Reed is likely to be fit for round one NRL action, despite withdrawing from All Star contention as he continues to recover from shoulder surgery.
England international Reed had been the leading vote getter in the Broncos side for the All Star side before pulling out.
Reed joins his NRL club captain Sam Thaiday, who is also overcoming shoulder surgery, on the sidelines for the rugby league season opener in Brisbane in February.
Both players however are confident of being fit for Brisbane’s proposed round one clash next March against Manly at Suncorp Stadium.
Reed, who made his debut for the NRL All Stars this year, said he was disappointed to miss next year’s clash which has been moved from Skilled Park to Suncorp Stadium.
“It was great to play in the All Stars match and an experience you don’t forget,” he said through the Broncos website.
“But the Broncos of course remain my No.1 priority.
“I am determined to be at 100 per cent fitness for round one of the season and I will be doing everything I can to make sure that happens.”