The Broncos’ 2020 season has been rocked with the news that star forward Matt Lodge has suffered a partial ACL tear, likely ruling him out for up to four months.

The 24-year-old went down during a club training session on Tuesday and was immediately taken for scans. The results were more positive after initial fears he may miss the entire season.

Lodge will now enter into a rehabilitation program immediately where further assessment will be required during this period to determine his progress and return-to-play time frame.

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Round 19

However, Lodge’s injury is a definite setback for the club.

He is arguably the most influential player in the squad.

The star prop hit career-best form last season and was on the cusp of a New South Wales selection.

He is also hugely respected by his teammates and was the favourite to take over the captaincy from Darius Boyd this year before the club announced that Alex Glenn would step into the role.

There’s no doubt that this is a speed hump in Brisbane’s premiership chances, but if there’s one club that’s got the depth to recover it’s the Broncos.

The club is well-stacked in the forwards.

Reigning Dally M Prop of the Year Payne Haas showed last season that he can play 80 minutes and is more than capable of taking the leading of the big men.

An injury is never ideal but timing-wise coach Anthony Seibold still has three upcoming trial games to test out replacements.

If it’s experience Seibold needs then the club has the likes of Tevita Pangai Jnr and Joe Ofahengaue who both have more NRL games under their belt than Lodge.

Tevita Pangai Junior of the Broncos in action last season. Source: AAP

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Pangai Jnr has spent majority of his career in the second row but can play prop. He missed a fair chunk of last season through suspensions and will be looking for a big start this year. He’s powerful, aggressive and a workhorse – the qualities you want in a starting prop. With 72 NRL games to his name, the Tongan International is a handy replacement.

Joe Ofahengaue at a club training session. Source: News Corp Australia

Ofahengaue played mostly at lock in 2019 but can also fill in at prop. He’s racked up 90 games in the top grade and made his State of Origin debut for Queensland debut last year.

Then you’ve got Patrick Carrigan and Thomas Flegler. Both are promising talents who – if there’s any silver lining to this – should now see more NRL time.

Thomas Flegler should see more NRL time in the 2020 season. Source: Getty Images

But a real smokey, but one worth seriously considering is Lachlan Tim.

The Broncos picked up the 23-year-old from the Dragons and prior to that he was in the Melbourne Storm’s system playing for feeder team the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

Timm, is yet to make his NRL debut but was a standout in Canterbury Cup last season.

The 110kg prop averaged 162.5 running metres per game and looked way too comfortable sitting in reserve grade.

Whether it’s Pangai Jnr or a rookie that slots in they undoubtedly have big shoes to fill but Broncos fans should rest assured they have the talent to get over this.