Walsh and Kotoni Staggs led the fightback to hand the Broncos a small glimmer of hope they can play finals footy at the end of the season. The club sit 12th on the ladder and will receive two points this weekend as they rest in their bye round.

However, it appears they will have to try to make it without their main attacking threat as Walsh could be facing the rest of the season on the sideline after a metacarpal hand fracture. “Reece has sustained a metacarpal fracture and we will consult a specialist to determine the next steps,” Broncos head of performance David Ballard said.

There are suggestions Walsh suffered the hand fracture when Cowboys back Valentine Holmes sprinted out of the line and tackled the fullback. The fullbacl was seen in pain throughout the game, which many fans have called Walsh out for in recent weeks with the No.1 also appearing to have struggled with his body after State of Origin.

He has copped plenty of criticism, despite appearing to battle through the pain in what appears to be a number of injuries suffered throughout the season. Walsh was again called out for grimacing in pain during the win against the Cowboys as he clutched at his hand.

However, the fullback persevered and managed to put up two try assists, six tackle busts and two line break assists in the 42-18 win. Unfortunately for the Broncos, Walsh will most likely not be lining-up for the next game as he looks to recover from the injury.

NRL Physio Brien Seeney suggested the usual return time can be either three or four weeks if everything goes to plan. The Broncos only have three more games left in the season after the bye. They have a slim hope of making finals footy if they win their remaining three games and other results if their way. Walsh’s best chance of playing NRL footy again this year could be if his club make the finals.

Broncos dealing with brutal injury toll

Walsh isn’t the only injury the Broncos are dealing with. Ezra Mam will be out for the remainder of the season after hurting his ankle last week. Although two looming returns could help the Broncos as they make a finals charge with Payne Haas Payne Haas (Lisfranc) and Tyson Smoothy (ankle) potentially looking at a comeback.

“Ezra underwent surgery last week and will move into his rehab program over the coming weeks, with a view to return ready to go for pre-season training later this year,” Ballard said.

“Payne and Tyson both didn’t require surgery. Payne will undergo some further testing in coming days before we can assess when he will return, while Tyson has begun his rehab work in the gym.“