Injury woes on many sides are throwing the NRL preliminary finals up in the air.

Brisbane fans were worried after captain Darius Boyd missed training yesterday due to the death of his grandmother.

Tim Shepherd reports.

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Boyd’s absence came amid preparations for the Bronco’s grand final qualifier against Melbourne Storm.

However, team mate Benji Marshall is confident and happy Boyd will be back on the field for Friday’s game.

Benji Marshall, Brisbane Bronco’s Utility: “Obviously leadership, but when Darius is running the ball back a hundred miles an hour and doing those carries we know he can do, it sort of lifts the team.”

The Bronco’s are also awaiting doctor’s approval for winger Corey Oates and forwards Jai Arrow and Sam Thaiday, after all three suffered head collisions on the weekend.

North Queensland also has injuries worries going into the preliminaries after forward Coen Hess suffered a knee injury and team mate John Asiata is playing with a broken hand.

However their opponents, the Sydney Roosters, aren’t counting their eggs.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sydney Rooster Prop: “They’re playing some great footy, they’re completing and we definitely won’t take them lightly on Saturday that’s for sure.”

Tim Shepherd, QUT News.