The Brisbane Broncos could be scratching to put together a side for next Saturday's National Rugby League game against the West Tigers at Suncorp Stadium following injuries to three star players.
Prop Shane Webcke (calf) is almost certain to miss the game while champion five eighth Darren Lockyer (rib cartilage) and centre Shaun Berrigan are both extremely doubtful.
All three were injured in Sunday's 46-18 loss to the Bulldogs, leaving Brisbane extremely shorthanded for next weeks game.
The Broncos are likely to recall former Origin player Ben Ikin and look to its Queensland Cup feeder club, Toowoomba, to supply them with replacement players.
While the Tigers are fighting for a spot in the top eight, the Broncos have the luxury of being able to afford a loss with a top four spot already locked away.
Brisbane skipper Gorden Tallis says the team will learn a lot from yesterday's game, especially around marker defence where the Bulldogs exploited them badly.
Winger Craig Frawley has been ruled out of playing this weekend while youngster David Stagg is still a month or so away from returning from a high ankle sprain.
Brisbane badly missed Stagg's tireless work around the rucks yesterday after the young tyro had come up with a NRL record 64 tackles a few weeks ago.
