Kotoni Staggs hit with two-game ban for ugly shot on Roosters gun Hugo Savala

Michael Maguire has been hit with another cruel selection blow as Kotoni Staggs prepares to serve a two-week suspension for a dangerous tackle on Hugo Savala.

In what looked set to be a horror showing in Sydney, the Broncos recovered from a 30-point deficit to threaten a historic upset over the Roosters, that was until Staggs found himself given marching orders for an ugly shot on Savala.

The impact of that sin bin was clear on the face of Staggs as he departed the field, with his teammates unable to withhold the pressure of a 13-man Roosters attack.

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Patrick Carrigan took the fall for Staggs when speaking to reporters post-match, admitting that had he not made an error in the set prior, his teammate would not have been in a position to produce such a ferocious defensive act.

However, Carrigan's words were not enough to alter the view of the match review committee, who slapped the Broncos centre with a two-game ban.

Staggs can opt to challenge the ban if he wishes, however, he faces a three-game ban if he is unsuccessful at the judiciary.

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Maguire had little to say about the incident despite Carrigan's honesty about his own actions, rather the premiership winning coach focused on the grit his team showed.

"It was a courageous effort from the boys," Maguire said at his press conference.

"I am disappointed for the players because they put in a great effort ... but if we were a bit sharper in a few areas, it could have been different.

"I definitely felt that the ways the players were playing together and the spirit of the group at the moment, they were certainly a big chance (to claim the win).

"I know when the team is on, these boys know how to get around the park and score points. To see what they did in the first half and then still be in it at the back end of the game says a fair bit about our group."

Carrigan recognised that the team "got jumped at the start" by the Roosters, although the way his opponent began the match was not a surprise to him or his teammates.

He did not reveal what words were shared by Maguire to inspire a resilient second half display, but he credited his coach's faith in helping the team do so.

"Madge was confident that if we got our game on, it was there to be had," Carrigan said.

"We didn't start it ideally in the second half, but once we got possession and held the ball, we could put some pressure on.

"Across the board, we are hanging in tough at the moment (with injuries), but we are confident that any bloke who puts on a Broncos jersey can do the job. We know what we expect of each other, and we are always going to keep fighting."

Adam Reynolds is one of the many names who will not return to the field for the Broncos next week after he was ruled out of Saturday's battle with a category one concussion.

Maguire was unsure if he would get any other injured star back before facing Manly.

"I don't think we have anyone coming back," he said.

"But if we keep fighting and showing the character that the team has got, that's to me what it is all about. It doesn't matter who is there, they will get in and have a go. Whoever plays against Manly will be in there having a crack."