Broncos are getting by without Oates’ best player: Reynolds

“We need to fill in some depth while he’s gone.”

Oates underwent jaw surgery on Saturday and Reynolds said his teammate was in “high spirits”.

“We’re all thinking of him,” he said.

“He had surgery and it was quite successful from what I’ve heard. I look forward to getting the big guy back as soon as possible.”

While the loss of Oates was a blow, the Broncos were bolstered by the debut of fullback Reece Walsh.

Every superlative under the sun was used to describe the former Warrior’s performance against the Cowboys, during which he set up three tries and scored one himself.

Reynolds won the 2014 Premier League with South Sydney and played with Greg Inglis and Latrell Mitchell, among others. He’s seen it all, but rarely has he been more impressed by a player than 20-year-old Walsh.

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“I’ve had some pretty good full-backs in my time, but there’s something special about Walshy,” Reynolds said.

“He’s still a little kid and still learning the game. He is a student of the game and always looking for ways to get better.

“They are encouraging signs from a young child. Nowadays many young kids forget it as soon as they get off football.

“It shows his hunger and desire in his performance. It’s not new to us. We see it day in, day out in training.”

– AAP