Reece Walsh's Brisbane homecoming could be delayed after scans confirmed a fractured eye socket for the livewire fullback.
The No.1 suffered the facial injury in Sunday's NRL pre-season draw with Gold Coast.
Broncos' head of performance Dave Ballard said the orbital floor fracture would not require surgery but that he'd be in doubt for the season opener against premiers Penrith on March 3.
"Reece's recovery will be monitored in the weeks ahead before a decision is made on his availability for the opening round of the competition," he said.
Walsh was allowed to leave Red Hill for the Warriors in 2021, blitzing his debut season and only missing a State of Origin debut because of injury.
He was allowed to end that contract early on compassionate grounds, Brisbane welcoming Walsh back as a key point of difference as they seek a finals return in 2023.
The 20-year-old showed plenty of that in the 24-24 draw on the Sunshine Coast against the Titans, scoring an early try and setting up another in the first half.
