Warriors vs Broncos: Brisbane to rest State of Origin stars for NRL clash

Reece Walsh will not play for the Brisbane Broncos against the Warriors this weekend. Photo / Photosport

Brisbane have resisted the urge to rush Reece Walsh to Auckland for their crunch clash with the Warriors, after travel and a short turnaround prompted the Broncos to rest their State of Origin stars.

Despite being desperate to snap a three-game losing streak, Brisbane confirmed on Friday that Walsh, Patrick Carrigan and Payne Haas would all miss Saturday’s match at Go Media Stadium.

The Broncos had always intended to rest their stars against the Warriors, but had flirted with the idea of playing Walsh given their current form slump.

But the NRL’s schedule made any travel difficult for the Maroons trio, who would have had to fly direct from Melbourne to Auckland on Thursday or Friday to feature in the match.

That would have meant 14 days away from home for Walsh, Carrigan and Haas, with travel adding to the demands of a three-day turnaround.

“It’s just too taxing for them,” coach Kevin Walters said on Friday.

“They’re all back in Australia ... We decided to leave them there. That was the Origin plan at the start of the year.

“Also, it gives opportunities for our guys. Marty Taupau and Fletcher Baker come into the side, and it’s been a couple of weeks since they’ve had an opportunity.

“They’ve been champing at the bit to get in. Tristan Sailor will be our fullback. I am very comfortable with the side we have for tomorrow.”

It is the second straight year Brisbane have headed to New Zealand without their Origin players, after last season’s trip was scheduled during camp for game one.

The Warriors have named Queensland second-rower Kurt Capewell to play, as they attempt to rebound from last week’s embarrassing 66-6 loss to Gold Coast.

“[Having players out to Origin] is nothing new for us,” Walters said.

“This time of year most of the clubs, including the Warriors, have been affected by Origin.

“You just have to get on with things. We’re very confident with the squad we’ve got here, and we just have to do the job tomorrow night.”

The trio’s absence adds to a worrying list of outs for the Broncos.

The club are without Adam Reynolds for at least another month, the halfback having dropped three of five games since he suffered a bicep injury.

Jordan Riki is suspended and Corey Oates remains out with a knee issue.

A loss to the Warriors is likely to drop last year’s grand finalists out of the top eight - Brisbane having started the year as one of the premiership favourites.

“We’ve got to play well, control the ball. High completions. Defence we have really focused on in the past month,” Walters said.

“Although we are conceding a few points, we are better in that space. We’ll need to be good tomorrow night.”