Reece Walsh is leaving nothing to chance to be fit for Brisbane's NRL clash with Gold Coast on Sunday as he prepares to return at fullback from a knee injury.
The Broncos were given three days off after Friday night's 13-12 win over Manly and did not train as a squad on Monday, but Walsh joined several players for a rehab running session.
AAP has been told he ran freely after missing the clash with the Sea Eagles after receiving knocks to his medial collateral ligament (MCL) in consecutive weeks. The first was in the round-eight 34-10 win over Wests Tigers in Sydney. The 21-year-old recovered from that, but received a second blow a fortnight later in the 30-14 away win over Parramatta.
Walsh was given until captain's run last week to be fit to play the Sea Eagles, but pulled out with knee soreness.
In positive news for the Broncos, he has not required a scan and will be back at training on Tuesday.
Walsh's fitness will also be of interest to Queensland, with the team for the State of Origin series opener in Sydney on June 5 to be named next Monday, when he is set to be unveiled at No.1.
The Broncos want one of their most influential players on the field, but Selwyn Cobbo's man-of-the-match display at No.1 against the Sea Eagles after switching from centre showed they can cope without Walsh.
"It's a totally different role to centre obviously, but Selwyn did some really good stuff at the back," coach Kevin Walters said.
"He doesn't care what the score is. Selwyn just plays. Some of his carries and high balls he caught were at critical times when he pulled them off."
Hooker Billy Walters also joined the rehab running group on Monday and is a strong chance to return against the Titans from a wrist injury.
Prop Payne Haas was not among the group. He sent a shock through the club when he limped of against Manly, only to return.
He is expected to return to training on Tuesday.
