Adam Reynolds is the key to any potential success for the Broncos this year – but there's a recent warning for why they can't rely on his return late in the year.
Less than 12 months ago, South Sydney were flying high and Latrell Mitchell was one of the form players of the competition, but his injury during State of Origin camp sent the club into a downward spiral that they still haven't recovered from.
The fullback missed the middle portion of the season and while the Rabbitohs remained in the hunt for the finals, the belief that Mitchell would fix all of their problems when he was back on deck ultimately proved foolhardy as they dropped out of the top-eight in the final rounds.
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Brisbane can ill-afford to fall into a similar trap this year, because it could be the difference between them channelling WWE champ Cody Rhodes and finishing their story, or becoming another footnote in Penrith's dominant reign over the NRL.
The veteran halfback is expected to miss between 12 and 16 weeks with a torn bicep, which at worst would see Reynolds return for the Broncos in the final round of the regular season. At best, it could mean they welcome him back back for the run-home.
During the minimum time period that Reynolds is likely to be sidelined, Brisbane will receive a guaranteed four points with two separate byes during the Origin period, while they will also face the struggling Titans twice and Rabbitohs once.
Jock Madden is expected to step into the No.7 jumper while Reynolds is out of action, but the pressure will largely fall onto the shoulders of Ezra Mam at five-eighth.
This is a golden opportunity for the fleet-footed rising star to stamp his authority and prove to Kevin Walters that he can become the side's long-term chief playmaker, with Madden a steady hand with a sound kicking game who can steer them around.
Speaking on SEN Radio, club great Corey Parker was optimistic about Brisbane's hopes of winning the premiership despite Reynolds' lengthy absence, but pointed out some key areas that have been papered over across the opening two months of the season.
"It's going to be extremely difficult, but they can still be there absolutely," he said. Mornings with Ben Davis.
"The person who dictates and gives the team where they need to go and what they need to do, it's going to be difficult – however, they can get the job done.
"Friday night was a really good example of how the Broncos in the last month have been doing things in games that they haven't been punished for.
"There was a real impatience about what they were trying to do … and the Roosters were very good. They were good enough to make them pay."
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While the injury to Reynolds during their loss to the Roosters was a major talking point, Parker raises some valid concerns over the attitude of the team.
Reece Walsh, for all his brilliance, still needs to find a level of patience and slow down aspects of his game, while Mam can also be accused of taking unnecessary risks.
The two youngsters have been guided by Reynolds for a large majority of their early careers in the top grade, which is why arguably Brisbane's greatest-ever player Darren Lockyer conceded their chances of premiership glory could be too big an ask.
"I know that whoever fills in is gonna learn a hell of a lot," he said on Nine's coverage.
"Adam provides a lot of composure for the team, he gives them direction … whoever fills in for him has big shoes to fill. Their game will grow, because they will have to.
"This is huge – I've been saying the window for the Broncos to win a premiership is while Adam Reynolds is here and it looks like they might be in 2024 without him.
"You can't do much about it and whoever gets the jersey next week [against the Eels] has to just play their best footy."
With an elite forward pack and some blistering speed out wide through Kotoni Staggs, Deine Mariner and Selwyn Cobbo, Brisbane should still be expected to win more games than they lose with their main man sitting on the sidelines.
When they get Reynolds back, it will no doubt give them a much-needed boost heading into September – but they have to make sure they are already locked in for a finals spot.
And if you needed any proof, just ask sacked Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou what relying on an injured player returning late in the year can do to a star-studded side.
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