Broncos lose Kodi Nikorima, Jack Reed to season ending shoulder surgery

Brisbane have lost utility Kodi Nikorima and centre Jack Reed for the rest of 2016 due to shoulder surgeries with fears the latter may be forced into premature retirement.

Coach Wayne Bennett confirmed on Wednesday that neither Reed nor Nikorima will play again this season, with Reed’s ongoing arthritis issues threatening to end the 28-year-old’s career.

Kiwi international Nikorima will also be out of the Broncos finals campaign and most likely New Zealand’s Four Nations tournament as well in November.

Having already had four separate surgeries on his troublesome shoulders in the past, Reed’s future has been clouded since the English international admitted the chronic injuries could affect him for the rest of his life.

Reed’s absence in a relatively inexperienced Broncos three-quarter line has been offset of late by the emergence of rookie Tom Opacic, who played all over Melbourne’s Origin centre Will Chambers in last week’s upset win.

Meanwhile Nikorima had been tipped to return in recent weeks, but complications with his injury mean he’ll now go under the knife while his teammates chase redemption from last year’s grand final loss.

The 22-year-old hasn’t played since dislocating his shoulder in Brisbane’s heavy round 17 loss to Melbourne.

Off-contract and at one point expected to move to rivals Melbourne in pursuit of more first grade opportunities, the club has grown more hopeful of hanging onto Nikorima in recent months having lost brother Jayden to the Roosters last year.

The club will however have hooker Andrew McCullough on deck for their final round clash with the Roosters on Thursday.

The regular No. 9 had been in doubt after rolling his ankle at Monday’s training session, but passed a fitness test during the Broncos captain’s run to take his place at Suncorp Stadium.

Bennett confirmed his 17 will run out as named for the Roosters match, where a win could secure Brisbane fourth place should the Cowboys lose to the Titans.