Adam Reynolds in shock return as Broncos handed Reece Walsh and Patrick Carrigan boost

The Brisbane Broncos have received a monumental boost in their quest to push for an NRL finals boost, with Adam Reynolds confirmed to make his return against the Knights this weekend. Reynolds hasn't played since Round 9 when he ruptured his bicep, and wasn't expected back until Round 22 in two weeks' time.

Broncos assistant coach Matt Ballin claimed earlier this week that Reynolds was only named in the reserves because they had to fill all the spots on the list. But head coach Kevin Walters revealed on Friday that he's ready to go and will play on Saturday.

State of Origin players Reece Walsh, Patrick Carrigan and Payne Haas will also back-up, but Selwyn Cobbo won't take the field against the Knights. "He's the type of player that does bring a lot of experience and confidence ... it's certainly a big in for us," Walters said about Reynolds.

"I've seen him up in the coaches' box for the last nine, 10 weeks. Hearing him talk about the game ... I know if he was on the field he could be helping them, which he'll do tomorrow night."

Patrick Carrigan and Reece Walsh to back up for Broncos

Walsh and Carrigan were both part of the Maroons side that went down to NSW 14-4 in a brutal Game 3 decider at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night. The match was played with a ferocious intensity that's seen a host of players ruled out for their club sides this weekend.

Maroons forward Carrigan appeared in serious doubt for the Broncos after being pictured leaving Suncorp Stadium in a moon boot after the Origin decider. It's understood Carrigan injured his ankle in the 10th minute against the Blues, but still battled on and made a whopping 58 tackles and 164 run metres to top both categories for the Queenslanders.

Carrigan was seen limping in the Maroons sheds after the game and the NRL Physio reported there was some swelling in his troublesome ankle. Walters said Tristan Sailor and Josh Rogers would drop out of the Broncos team, while one of Blake Mozer and Tyson Smoothy will also be relegated.

The coach said Carrigan was "a little bit wounded" but could start after playing 70 minutes on Wednesday. "He'll go into battle and we'll get as much as we can out of him ... to help us get back," Walters said.

"And (Walsh) he's fine. He's got the shirt off at training today. That's always a good indicator that he's ready to go. Most of us have taken a bit of a battering in the last few weeks but I keep saying: they've been training well, their attitude has been amazing and that'll turn. If we keep working hard and supporting each other, good things are going to happen."

Reece Walsh to play for Broncos are bruising Origin clash

Walsh was seen with ice strapped to his side in the Maroons sheds after the game, having suffered bruising on his ribs, hips and thighs after being battered by the Blues for most of the game. He escaped charge after accidentally collecting Stephen Crichton in the head with his boot as the NSW centre dived for the tryline in the first half.

And Brisbane coach Walters is desperate to have his livewire fullback available as the Broncos attempt to snap a six-game losing streak. Walters has already come under fire for resting his Origin stars earlier in the season and with the Broncos needing to win six of their last seven games to make the finals, he'll need as many of his best players as possible.

Reynolds has been training with the Broncos this week and was named on an extended bench. Walters initially said the inspirational skipper was on track for a return in round 22, but with his side's season on the line, Reynolds will make an earlier return. The 34-year-old completed training on Friday while wearing a brace on his arm.

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Five-eighth Ezra Mam admitted he couldn't wait to have his halves partner back. "We are not too sure when Reyno's full return is. We are happy to have him back training with us," Mam said on Wednesday.

"He is definitely helping and guiding our halves and spine. Having him training is big for our team. When he comes back, we don't know, but it will be a big impact for us. He has been very sad to miss out and wants to come back as fast as he can. I have missed him on the field, but having said that it has been a good opportunity for myself to step up and take control of the team. It has been a bit of growth for myself and handling the game."

with AAP