Brisbane are promising to play the long game with captain Adam Reynolds after clearing the halfback of a serious knee injury.
Reynolds sustained a recurrence of a right knee issue during Thursday's 28-18 win over South Sydney.
The Broncos halfback left the Suncorp Stadium arena with 10 minutes remaining after battling on in clear discomfort in the second half.
Brisbane face Penrith on Thursday in a grand final rematch, but Broncos bosses indicated they may take a cautious approach with their 33-year-old playmaker.
"The scans show Adam got a knock to a low-grade MCL strain that he sustained in round one," said Broncos performance boss Dave Ballard.
"We'll see how he pulls up over the next 24 hours before mapping out a rehab program for the coming days.
"Adam is tough and looks after his body, but we still have a full season ahead of us, so our priority is ensuring he is ready to go when he returns".
Reynolds had several diagnostic tests on his knee by Broncos medical staff while he soldiered on against the Rabbitohs to check he had not suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
The Broncos are set to give back-up half Jock Madden a crack at filling in for Reynolds if he is put on ice for a week.
The versatile Tristan Sailor is also on the books, but Madden filled in when Reynolds was out of action last year, and AAP has been told he is the front-runner.
"If 'Reyno' is no good we have all the faith in Jock," Broncos winger Jesse Arthars said.
"We have full faith in anyone that steps into a role at this club. The boys train really hard for those jumpers."
But with or without Reynolds, Broncos coach Kevin Walters knows his side must find another gear to beat Penrith after a win over Souths on Thursday that was far from perfect.
"We were a long way off where we need to be and so were Souths to be fair, but there were some things to like with some individual players," Walters said.
"As a team we aren't quite nailing it ... yet. I am just happy we won because you need to win this time of year just to breathe."
Two-try hero Reece Walsh at fullback, blockbusting centre Selwyn Cobbo and hard-running and tackling second-rower Brendan Piakura were among Brisbane's best.
Winger Deine Mariner also scored a double and showcased the speed that has led to him being selected ahead of veteran Corey Oates.
