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Reynolds, Haas firm for Broncos' Qld derby

3 minute read

Kevin Walters says Payne Haas and Adam Reynolds will play in Brisbane's Queensland derby clash with North Queensland.

ADAM REYNOLDS.
ADAM REYNOLDS. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters has no concerns over the fitness of halfback Adam Reynolds and star prop Payne Haas as the Broncos head to Townsville to face the North Queensland Cowboys.

Haas picked up an ankle injury in State of Origin II in Perth and was spotted leaving Optus Stadium in a protective boot.

Reynolds has been battling a rib complaint but Walters said the Broncos pair would be right for Saturday night's game at a sold-out Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

"Payne got through his medical," Walters said. "He had a bit of bruising on his ankle and he's looked after it all week.

"He's looking forward to getting up there and playing. It's a big game for both clubs and Payne wants to be a part of that.

"Adam knows his body better than any of us and he assures us he is right to go.

"Ribs are one of those things that aren't fixed in a couple of weeks but he's a tough old bugger. We're a different team when he plays."

The Cowboys are aiming to complete a regular season clean sweep in the derby for the first time since 2012.

Todd Payten's side have won nine of their last 10 games and are hopeful of being boosted by the return of winger Kyle Feldt.

North Queensland will check on Feldt on gameday with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow expected to revert to the bench if the former is passed fit.

The Cowboys, who can leapfrog Melbourne into second spot with a big win, will also blood Luciano Leilua off the interchange after his mid-season switch from the Wests Tigers.

"Our players have enjoyed having him (Leilua) around," Payten said.

"He's copped a lot of information. He's just got to get his job done.

"We don't need him to do all the flashy things. It's making tackles and taking hit-ups, it's as simple as that."

Payten's side thumped the Broncos 38-12 but he said his they didn't need to be reminded of the disdain the clubs had for each other.

"Absolutely, we do," he said, when asked if the Cowboys still hated the Broncos.

"They're our arch enemy and I learned pretty quickly and it's ingrained in me.

"Those guys got a taste of it in round three and we're looking forward to it. We don't need any added motivation; our players are ready to go."

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