Poms in Oz: Reed out for six weeks

Jack Reed failed to return to the field at half time during Brisbane’s 26-12 loss to Cronulla.

Reed was reported to have suffered a small fractured fibula based on initial observation, and was expected to be out for four to six weeks.

However the Melbourne tabloid, the Herald Sun, reported that Reed had miraculously recovered from a ‘broken leg’ and could be back for the Broncos as early as round 19. The Broncos have a bye following Wednesday’s State of Origin finale.

Reed underwent an MRI scan which eventually revealed a small fractured fibula confirming the original reports, which had apparently been missed from X-Rays.

Things got worse for the Broncos as Josh Hoffman took a shoulder to the chin from Wade Graham, but the Sharks were too strong for a Broncos side free from their State of Origin stars.

Colin Best grabbed an early try for the Sharks, and things got worse for the Broncos. Graham scored a try of his won before being put on report for the high tackle on Hoffman. Ben Pomeroy scored Cronulla’s third within quarter of an hour.

Aaron Whitchurch scored on debut for the Broncos, while captain Alex Glenn touched down eight minutes into the second half.

But it was Cronulla’s day, as tries from Nathan Stapleton and another from Best sealed the win.

Sam Burgess made a return from injury to partner his brother Luke in the front row against Penrith.

The Rabbitohs went onto win 38-12 with two tries from Nathan Merritt and Nathan Peats each.

Dave Taylor and Andrew Everingham added solitary contributions to the score board, while the Panthers hit back twice within the space of three minutes, in the 29th and 32nd minute respectively, with tries from Clint Newton and Lachlan Coote.

George Burgess was initially selected to play in the NRL side, but made a re-appearance in the Toyota Cup due to the bye given to North Sydney Bears.

The Rabbitohs under 20s defeated their Penrith counterparts 46-16.

Canterbury’s James Graham, Melbourne’s Gareth Widdop and Wests’ Chris Heighington and Gareth Ellis all received byes.

Ellis looks unlikely to make a return from injury against his England team mate James Graham on Friday night, but has been told he is close to recovery from a foot injury which has kept him out of action since round five.