Broncos prop Matt Lodge has suffered a partial tear of his ACL and remains confident of playing a part in the club's 2020 campaign.
Lodge injured his knee at Tuesday's training session and went for scans which confirmed the initial diagnosis by club medical staff that it was not a full rupture. The 24-year-old enforcer met with the Broncos’ sports physician and orthopaedic specialist on Wednesday afternoon and .
Exactly when Lodge returns to the field will become clearer in the coming weeks but for now he is just pleased it was not a full rupture.
"I have had experience with this type of injury in the past with a positive outcome,” Lodge said.
"Yesterday was unfortunate but I received some good news today. I am lucky.
"I will get straight into my rehab immediately and will do everything I can to get back on the field as soon as possible. Nothing is certain with knee injuries, but I am confident I can get back on the field in 2020."
Lodge is a crucial member of Brisbane's starting pack and was on track to start the season in the run-on side alongside Payne Haas in the front row.
His likely absence is a blow to the Broncos middle forward stocks with prop Keenan Palasia out of action for most of the year after rupturing his ACL in the pre-season.
The Broncos do have options up front. Tevita Pangai Jnr will start at prop in Saturday's trial against the Cowboys in Cairns and he could well start in the front row with Haas in round one.
Pat Carrigan has set a goal this year of claiming the starting No.13 jersey. He is a member of the new leadership group and his capacity to play big minutes makes him an ideal candidate to play in the run-on side.
Middle forwards Tom Flegler and Joe Ofahengaue are the other starting options for coach Anthony Seibold in Lodge's absence.
The starting back-row spots at this stage will be filled by new captain Alex Glenn and Maroons forward David Fifita.