Brisbane romped to a comprehensive 60-14 victory over an injury-ravaged South Sydney.
Yet the win came at a price with booming frontrower Xavier Willison suffering a suspected broken forearm during the rout.
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Big Broncos blow as Xavier Willison injured during demolition of Souths
Willison led from the front in Payne Haas’ absence, registering over 100 run metres to go with 21 tackles in an impressive 40-odd minute display.
The Broncos’ big man didn’t see out the final half hour of action, though, after reeling out of a tackle on Jai Arrow.
The South Sydney forward charged into the defensive line, with his knee coming into contact with Willison’s outstretched arm.
The 22-year-old immediately clutched at it and was taken from the field, with Fox League sideline reporter Jake Duke later delivering the bad news.
The Broncos entered the contest without star prop Haas, who had been hospitalised in the build-up to the game. Brendan Piakura was also absent after the backrower suffered a head knock in training.
Although Michael Maguire’s injury headaches were a far cry from Wayne Bennett’s.
Souths were missing a plethora of key men, including Latrell Mitchell, Campbell Graham, Cody Walker, Brandon Smith, Tevita Tatola and Keaon Koloamatangi.
And the makeshift outfit were simply no match for the Broncos during a devastating second half that saw the hosts clock 42 points.
"It's a shame because he's starting to understand how to influence the game on both sides of the ball," Cooper Cronk said post-match about Willison.
"When you talk about a starting forward pack of Haas, Willison and Patrick Carrigan - that can match any forward pack in the competition.
"We'll see how long he's out for. I imagine it will be four to six weeks, or even more than six. So, that's a big chunk."