‘A big in for us’: Adam Reynolds given all clear to return from injury, Broncos lose Origin star for trip to Newcastle

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters has confirmed Selwyn Cobbo won’t make the trip to Newcastle for Saturday’s must-win match against the Knights, but the rest of his Origin stars will all play, with veteran Adam Reynolds also set to start in his first game back from injury.

Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas have all been cleared to take on the Knights following Wednesday’s brutal Origin decider where Carrigan got through a mountain of work and Walsh was roughed up by the Blues.

It’s a huge boost for the battling Broncos who need all hands on deck if they want to save their season, with Reynolds’ inclusion particularly important as they look to end their six-game losing streak.

The experienced halfback has been out since round 9 with a ruptured bicep but returns earlier than expected and his kicking game will be vital against Newcastle’s potent backline.

“Selwyn’s still got some problems so he won’t play, but the rest of them are all going to be OK so that’s good news,” Walters said.

“Adam will play. He’s trained well for the last couple of weeks. It’s good to have him back and you can see the difference and the confidence that he brings to the group.

“Medically, he’s been cleared and all of that, so we wouldn’t go against any medical advice. We’ve got great trust in our people here and they say he’s ready to go.

“It’d be wrong to dump it all on Adam, but he is that type of player that brings a lot of experience and confidence to the team. It’s certainly a big in for us.

“He’s been up in the coaching box for the past nine or 10 weeks, and just hearing him talk about the game and the position of the game (was great). I know if he was on the field, he could be helping them.”

Walters confirmed Tristan Sailor and Josh Rogers would drop out of the 17, with Brisbane four points outside the top eight but set to jump a few spots if they can beat the Knights who are ahead of them by one win.

Last year’s grand finalists have already been written off by some, but Walters is adamant their season is far from over.

“I have utmost faith and belief in these guys. Rugby league’s a funny game,” he said.

“It tests your character and it’s testing our character at the moment, but because we’re so strong with our character, that’s why I believe we’ll get through the other side.”