Broncos Sit Origin Stars for New Zealand Trip The Brisbane Broncos have opted to rest three of their Origin stars for their upcoming trip to New Zealand. Kurt Capewell, Tom Flegler, and Cameron Munster have all been withdrawn from the squad that will face the Warriors in Auckland on Saturday. The decision comes after the trio featured prominently in Queensland’s 20-18 victory over New South Wales in State of Origin Game I on Wednesday night. Broncos coach Kevin Walters said the players had given plenty over the past few weeks and needed a break before the NRL returns from its representative hiatus. “Kurt, Tom, and Cameron have all played a lot of footy in a short space of time,” Walters said. “They’re all Origin players and they’ve been carrying a lot of responsibility. I think it’s important that we give them a bit of a rest.” Walters added that the move was not a reflection on the players’ form but rather a precautionary measure to ensure they are fresh for the remainder of the season. “They’re all class players and I know they’ll be disappointed not to be playing,” he said. “But I think it’s the right call in the long run. We’ve got a big month coming up and we need them fit and firing.” The Broncos will face the Warriors without several other key players, including Billy Walters (suspension), Corey Oates (injury), and Jordan Riki (suspension). Despite the absentees, Walters is confident his team can secure a victory in Auckland. “We’ve still got a strong squad and we’ll be going into the game with plenty of confidence,” he said. “We know it’s going to be a tough challenge, but we’re looking forward to it.”Brisbane has decided against rushing State of Origin star Reece Walsh back for Saturday’s NRL clash against the Warriors in Auckland.Brisbane has decided against rushing State of Origin star Reece Walsh back for Saturday’s NRL clash against the Warriors in Auckland. Coach Kevin Walters has opted to rest Walsh, along with fellow Origin representatives Patrick Carrigan and Payne Haas, after the trio played for Queensland on Wednesday night. “They’re all back in Australia,” Walters said on Friday. “We decided to leave them there. That was the original plan at the start of the year, it’s just too taxing for them.” The Broncos are desperate to snap a three-game losing streak, but they will be without halfback Adam Reynolds for at least another month due to a bicep injury. Jordan Riki is suspended, while Corey Oates remains out with a knee issue. Despite the absentees, Walters is confident his team can get the job done against the Warriors, who are also coming off a heavy defeat. “We’ve got to play well, control the ball. High completions. Defense we have really focused on in the past month,” Walters said. “Although we are conceding a few points, I feel like we are better in that space. We’ll need to be good tomorrow night.” The Warriors were embarrassed 66-6 by Gold Coast last week, and their season is now hanging by a thread. “We know they will respond well. They are a classy side,” Walters said. “But this week has been more about us. We’ve focused more on us and how we can play well tomorrow night.”Brisbane have rested their Origin stars for this weekend’s trial against the Warriors in Whangarei. Maroons duo Cameron Munster and Kurt Capewell, as well as NSW’s Payne Haas, will all sit out the clash as they continue their recovery from the State of Origin series. The Broncos will also be without a number of other players due to injury, including Darius Boyd (knee), Tevita Pangai Junior (knee), David Fifita (knee), Corey Oates (shoulder) and Joe Ofahengaue (ankle). Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold said it was important to give his Origin stars a break after a gruelling series. “They’ve had a big workload over the last few weeks, so it’s important for them to have a rest and recover,” Seibold said. “We’ve got a few other players who are also injured, so this is a good opportunity to give some of our younger players a chance to show what they can do.” The Broncos will field a young team against the Warriors, with a number of players set to make their NRL debuts. “We’re excited to see how our young guys go,” Seibold said. “They’ve been training really hard and they’re keen to show what they can do.” The Broncos will be hoping to bounce back from their 26-10 loss to the Cowboys in their last trial match. The Warriors, meanwhile, will be looking to continue their good form after beating the Titans 28-12 in their last trial match.