Fans are rallying around Broncos youngster Blake Mozer after suffering a concussion and a broken jaw only moments into his NRL return following a brutal run of injuries. This comes as Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire is dealing with an injury and suspension crisis with Patrick Carrigan facing a two-game ban after the 35-31 loss to the Cowboys.
Mozer made his return to the NRL for the first time since 2024 after a number of injuries have hampered his run. Last year, Mozer suffered a shoulder injury early in the season, before returning to play 12 QLD Cup games.
Fans are rallying around Brisbane Broncos youngster Blake Mozer (pictured right) after suffering a broken jaw, while Patrick Carrigan is facing a two-game ban after the MRC decision. (Images: Channel Nine/Getty Images)
He then suffered a broken jaw, which ended his season. And in tough scenes on Friday night, Mozer suffered another broken jaw.
Mozer was on after Corey Paix failed his HIA after a head knock. Mozer came on and attempted to tackle Cowboys enforcer Jason Taumalolo. There was immediate concern for Mozer as he clutched at his jaw after the bruising clash.
And he was taken from the field with concerns over his jaw. Coach Maguire admitted the 21-year-old was playing really well before the incident. “It a real shame,” Maguire said. “He has worked really hard and I thought he was going really good out there. We were all excited for him.”
On Saturday, it was confirmed Mozer suffered a broken jaw that will keep him out for up to eight weeks. Bulldogs front-rower Max King also suffered one on Thursday night against the Penrith Panthers. Mozer has been touted as the long-term No.9 for the Broncos.
Ben Hunt’s injury and Paix’s concussion handed Mozer another opportunity to make his mark. Unfortunately, the 21-year-old is set for another stint on the sideline. Fans were quick to rally around the young Broncos player after yet another injury halting his momentum at NRL level.
Patrick Carrigan facing two game ban
Meanwhile, Patrick Carrigan is facing a two-game ban after his high-shot on Tom Chester. Carrigan was sent to the bin for the tackle, which saw him come in over the top. The Match Review Committee hit Carrigan with the two game ban, which he can challenge.
Patrick Carrigan is sent to the sin-bin during the round six.
(Chris Hyde via Getty Images)Broncos coach preparing for huge injury call
The Broncos are now dealing with injuries to spine stars Reece Walsh, Adam Reynolds and Hunt. Grant Anderson has been ruled out for up to eight weeks, while Paix could miss next week after failing his HIA.
Maguire said the club would seek for Paix to play next week believing the No.9 was fine after the injury. However, as it stands, Maguire could be looking to bring in 20-year-old Cameron Bukowski. The highly rated No.9 has a development contract with the Broncos, but could find himself in the side next week against the Wests Tigers.
“I’ve had a good conversation with a few of the boys and we think he is ready,” Maguire said of Bukowski. “Cam has been battling away, fighting and working hard in the background. An opportunity might be around the corner.”
Maguire will be hoping to bring Reynolds back into the side with the Broncos lacking some game management when the contest was in the balance. The Cowboys have momentarily moved into fourth after four straight victories.
Blake Mozer (pictured) is set for more time on the sideline after a jaw injury.
(Albert Perez via Getty Images)