AdminBrisbane Broncos face punishing dual setback as two players ruled out for a minimum of four weeks
The coach of the Brisbane Broncos is grappling with yet another challenge following several setbacks.
Riley Morgan
Updated Tue 8 July 2025 at 7:30 am GMT+1
3-min read
The Brisbane Broncos have encountered a significant setback just ahead of Ben Hunt’s comeback, with Blake Mozer and Corey Jensen anticipated to be sidelined for at least four weeks due to injuries. Mozer, who recently signed a two-year extension with the Broncos, has yet to play under Michael Maguire in the ongoing 2025 season.
Regrettably, it seems he will be fighting to make it back before the season’s conclusion, having sustained a broken jaw during a Queensland Cup match over the weekend. The Courier Mail reports that Mozer left the field for a Head Injury Assessment and did not return.
It’s believed that Mozer sustained a jaw fracture during the event, potentially keeping him out for a stretch of six to eight weeks. He had only just come back to play for the Broncos’ feeder team following a shoulder injury incurred in the preseason. Recognized as a promising talent at No.9, he has yet to see action under Maguire this season.
As Mozer is expected to spend considerable time off the field, reports indicate that Jensen will also be unavailable. The forward was a last-minute withdrawal from the Broncos lineup against the Bulldogs last week. It appears that Maguire will also be missing Jensen for the next four weeks due to Deep Vein Thrombosis related to a blood clot, as stated by The Sporting News.
Ben Hunt set for NRL return after injury
While it seems the Broncos will be without both the emerging star and the seasoned player for an extended period, Maguire has included Hunt in the lineup for this weekend. The veteran sustained an injury during the match against the Rabbitohs and hasn’t participated since round ten.
The 35-year-old was functioning as five-eighth prior to his injury; however, with Ezra Mam’s comeback, the veteran is expected to shift to dummy-half. Having played extensively at No.9 for Queensland during State of Origin, Hunt could provide additional experience to the team’s spine, prior to the utility entering the match.
Billy Walters is predicted to retain his spot in the 17-man squad after a solid few weeks. Kobe Hetherington expressed admiration for Hunt ahead of his return.
“Everyone recognizes his talent as a player,” Hetherington remarked. “He is in the leadership group for a reason and offers that guidance, and all of us younger players rally around him. He is an excellent communicator and shows great toughness. We’ve witnessed his performance at Origin in the hooker role, so if he can replicate that here, the team will be thrilled. ”
Confident Broncos poised for top-eight showdown
The Broncos are experiencing a surge of confidence after overcoming an 18-0 deficit to triumph over the Bulldogs last Thursday, despite missing several key players due to injuries and Origin commitments. Hetherington noted that the team’s morale was high following the victory.
“That ranks among the best victories I’ve experienced in my career,” Hetherington remarked. “Our backs were against the wall in the first half, and Madge (coach Michael Maguire) gathered us and urged, ‘Boys, keep sticking with it.’
“I thought we defended well in the first half, and Madge encouraged us by saying, ‘Stay in it and we’ll get them in the latter part of the half. ‘ We all had faith. With so many players missing (due to Origin and injuries), everyone stepped up. It felt great. “
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