Adam Reynolds was stretchered off in the first half of Brisbane’s clash with Melbourne which the Broncos went on to lose 24-16 at AAMI Park.
It is now 13 losses in a row for Kevin Walters’ men against the Storm but of greater concern will be the health and well-being of their talismanic halfback.
Reynolds hurt himself after smashing into the turf while attempting to ground the ball in the in-goal area during a mad scramble involving Herbie Farnworth and Harry Grant.
The halfback face-planted into the pitch and remained down as the play was sent up to the Bunker for a review, with the Broncos eventually being awarded a controversial try to Farnworth.
Although in concerning scenes, Brisbane’s medical team attended to Reynolds whilst he remained motionless on the ground, before he was stretchered off.
“There was some real concern about Adam Reynolds when his head hit the ground – he felt some nerves in his neck twinge,” Fox League‘s Lara Pitt reported from the sidelines.
“He has been cleared of a serious neck injury, but he will not be returning for this match-up.”
Vision from inside the sheds at half time showed footage of Reynolds sitting and talking to Kotoni Staggs before Kurt Capewell led the side out for the second half in his absence.
The captain watched on from the sidelines as his teammates showcased their premiership credentials against all the odds despite slipping to another loss against Melbourne.
Walters labelled Reynolds – who was not present at the post-match press conference – as “not good” when quizzed about the condition of the veteran.
“He’s been our leader and playing some good footy for us, so that’s what I’m proud of with these guys,” Walters said.
Pressed for more details on Reynolds, the coach said the No.7 was still groggy while also nursing a shoulder injury.
“We’ll have to wait and get him back to Brisbane and see how he is,” Walters said.
“I wouldn’t have thought he’d be playing next week but that’s okay, it’s only early days.
“We’ll rest him up and get him back when he is fit and healthy.
“He fell awkwardly tonight and face-planted, but hopefully he’ll be okay in a short period.”
The Broncos have now provided the latest update on Reynolds’ situation with the club’s Head of Performance, Dave Ballard, confirming he had avoided serious injury to his neck.
“Reyno has been cleared of any neck issues and will be monitored over the next few days as part of a concussion protocol,” the statement noted.
“He received a Category 2 rating during the game, and we will be guided by his progress through the concussion protocol in coming days to determine his return to play.”