Hooker Andrew McCullough is expected to be ruled out of Brisbane’s final round NRL match with Manly after being knocked out in Dylan Napa’s controversial tackle.
Veteran forward Sam Thaiday says McCullough will be a big loss, with the seventh-placed Broncos a chance to secure a home final when they play at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
Sydney Roosters prop Napa accepted a three-match ban for his head-first tackle which struck McCullough in the head last weekend.
The retiring Thaiday has filled the void at the scrumbase previously and, in what could be his last game at home, could be asked to do it again.
“Definitely (we’ll miss him); what he brings to the team attacking-wise is fantastic and brilliant,” Thaiday said of McCullough.
“Defensively he leads our line speed, leads our tackle count every week.
“Of course we’re going to miss a player like him but it’s a bit of a blessing in disguise because it gives him a rest into finals, he’s got a few little niggly things that he can look after.”
Josh McGuire and Alex Glenn could also be used in the No.9 role against the Sea Eagles, with the Broncos chase a third-straight victory.
Brisbane could finish the season as high as fifth and host a final – depending on the results of the Penrith and St George Illawarra games against Melbourne and Newcastle respectively.
“You never know, there’s a few different scenarios out there,” Thaiday said.
“It’s going to be hard for us to not watch all the games that are going around over the weekend.”