Brisbane Broncos star Reece Walsh has been declared fully fit for the World Club Challenge, and will be a ‘certain starter’ for the fixture against Hull KR.
Arguably the best full-back in the world, Walsh will return to the UK after helping Australia to a comfortable 3-0 win over England in the Ashes series.
He won Player of the Match in the first Test at Wembley, before starring in the two other matches – though, he did get sin binned at Everton.
The news has been confirmed by Broncos boss Michael Maguire, who is also back on familiar turf after spending the 2010 and 2011 seasons as coach of Wigan Warriors.
Speaking to media down under, the former New Zealand boss provided a medical update on his squad, though some aren’t as lucky as Walsh.
“Reece and the other boys are good to go,” Maguire said. “We’re managing Reece and a few of the players at the moment.
“Brendan [Piakura] has twinged his meniscus but he will be ready for round one.”
Brisbane Broncos medical update ahead of World Club Challenge
One man who won’t be making the trip over is Josh Rogers, after the 29-year-old suffered an achilles injury in training.
However, scans have shown that the knock isn’t as bad as once thought.
He explained: “We had some good news there [regarding Rogers]… We feared the worst, but he saw one of the surgeons and he said it’s not as severe as what they thought it would be.
“He will be out for around two to six weeks, but like ‘Brendy’ [Piakura] he will be right for the start of the season.”
Maguire, or ‘Madge’ as he is known in Australia, also confirmed that playmaker Ezra Mam will be in the 13 to face Hull KR, as Brisbane look to go as strong as they can for the contest.
Brisbane will leave for England on Monday, and part of their preparations will see them have an opposed session against Hull FC – as John Cartwright looks to offer support for his former club.
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