Sporting News

Brisbane Broncos rest stars for Melbourne Storm clash, giving Penrith Panthers a chance to nab minor premiership

Broncos endure late-season injury crisis

Panthers set to pounce if Broncos stumble

The Brisbane Broncos have rested a host of stars for their clash with the Melbourne Storm, giving the Penrith Panthers a chance to snatch the minor premiership.

The Broncos, who have won their past five games, will be without captain Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas, Selwyn Cobbo, Kurt Capewell and Corey Oates for Friday night's match at Suncorp Stadium.

The Panthers, who are one point behind the Broncos on the ladder, will be hoping to take advantage of the Broncos' weakened team and claim their third minor premiership in four years.

The Broncos have endured a late-season injury crisis, with Carrigan, Haas and Cobbo all suffering injuries in recent weeks.

The Panthers, on the other hand, have been relatively injury-free and will be confident of beating the Broncos, even without their stars.

The Broncos will need to win their final two games of the regular season to secure the minor premiership. If they lose either game, the Panthers will claim the minor premiership if they win their final two games.

The Broncos have not won the minor premiership since 1998. The Panthers last won the minor premiership in 2020.

The Broncos and Panthers will meet in the first week of the finals series, regardless of which team finishes higher on the ladder.

The New Daily