Prior to their Round 3 rematch with the Panthers, the Broncos had made it clear they were “not allowed to talk about” the previous year’s championship game.
The previous season, 20 minutes of Nathan Cleary’s brilliance broke the hearts of the Kevin Walters men and secured Penrith’s third consecutive premiership.
But now that they have an opportunity to make amends on Thursday night, Broncos players Billy Walters and Corey Jensen brushed down the notion of a repeat in the grand final.
“It’s really hard for me to comment on that,” Jensen told the SMH.
“Now that we’ve flushed that, we can’t talk about it at all.”
We must move past the last year. We simply don’t want to discuss it, there isn’t a ban,” Walters remarked.
But with captain and primary playmaker Adam Reynolds out with an MCL knee, the Broncos have a difficult task ahead of them.
Due to a knee injury, Payne Haas is also questionable; Jock Madden and Xavier Willison are expected to take his place.
Jensen answered “definitely” when asked if the guys taking over Reynolds’ and possibly Haas’ large shoes would be able to withstand a baptism of fire at BlueBet Stadium.
“We think that everyone is capable of taking initiative. Although Payne is a vital member of our team and everyone has different skills, he added, “We know that everyone who steps in has their job to play for the team.”
“[Willison] has always performed admirably; he possesses a strong physique and a strong drive.
Despite his young age, he has a lot of talent and is eager to learn. I have no doubt that he will step up and help the squad out if called upon in the event that Payno isn’t up to par.
James Fisher-Harris, the Panthers’ prop, is expected to miss time due to a shoulder injury. The team is also concerned about injuries.
