Broncos comeback attempt spoiled by late sin bin as skipper Adam Reynolds prepares for week on sidelines

A late attacking resurgence by the Broncos was not enough to conceal the side's ill-discipline against the Roosters, in what was a rollercoaster battle at Allianz Stadium.

It took two minutes for the hosts to find their groove against the reigning premiers, who were left to battle against injuries, a sin bin and costly errors in an 80-minute 38-24 epic.

For 65 minutes it appeared as though it would be a nightmare visit down south for Michael Maguire's men, but the Broncos managed to produce a late attacking blitz.

READ MORE: Former F1 ace turned paralympian dies, aged 59

READ MORE: Eels dealt cruel blow as young gun forced off in 'serious pain'

READ MORE: Springboks inspired trick play that left rivals stunned

A 24-point deficit heading into the final 40 did not rattle the visitors, with Reece Walsh powering over in the 50th minute to claim the side's first points of the match.

Xavier Willison and Patrick Carrigan followed suit shortly after, leaving former coach Kevin Walters excited to see more of what the playing group had to offer.

"The Broncos will never give up," now Kangaroos coach Walters said on Fox League.

However, just as things looked to be going their way, the Broncos were left without their biggest voice Adam Reynolds.

Reynolds was looking to stop a striking run from Naufahu Whyte when he found himself stuck underneath the prop in a tackle with his head hitting the turf hard.

The 35-year-old laid on the turf as Nat Butcher crossed for the Tricolours' fifth try of the day. Angus Crichton assisted the Broncos veteran in the back of play. Club trainers then walked Reynolds straight to the sheds for a head injury assessment as the conversion was taking place.

"Straight away, you could see he was in trouble," Walters said.

Reynolds was not the only player to depart the field due to injury for the Broncos, with Deine Mariner forced to the sidelines after 34 minutes due to a "bad cork".

Mariner did return to the field for the final 15 minutes as Josiah Karapani injured himself.

Watch the 2026 NRL season live and free on Nine and 9Now.

To add to the list of concerns for coach Michael Maguire, the side will also await to learn the fate of Ben Talty after he was reported for an ugly hip drop on James Tedesco.

Tedesco charged out of dummy half and through the middle early in the first half when he was brought down in an awkward position by Talty.

The Roosters skipper stayed down for a short period before he was helped to his feet.

"He is up and about which is good news for the Roosters," Walters said.

A review of the incident was then conducted by the Bunker.

Talty was not sin binned due to his weight landing on the ground and not on Tedesco, meaning there was "not an elevated risk of injury".

Tedesco questioned the explanation of the ruling, but Gee made his words clear.

"If I did my knee there or my ankle, it could be dangerous," Tedesco was heard telling Gee.

Gee replied: "I get what you are saying but we have all these elements we have to review. We have gone through that process.

"It has been reviewed ... it's not an elevated risk. It is on report."

Soon after, the Roosters were left to fill the absence of Lindsay Collins after he was pulled for a head injury assessment following a nasty clash with Jack Gosiewski. He did not return to the match.

However, that did not rattle the home team as Daniel Tupou claimed his 190th career try.

Angus Crichton joined the list of players who were forced off with injuries late in the second half, limping down the tunnel with 20 minutes to go.

Despite a late attacking blitz, the Broncos waved goodbye to Kotoni Staggs for the final 10 minutes of the match after he was ordered to the sin bin for head-high contact.

Reece Robson sealed the result in favour of the Roosters with a try in the 75th minute.