Melbourne’s meeting with table-toppers Brisbane will take its toll on both teams, with key players on both sides taken off inside the first half hour.

Brisbane talisman Adam Reynolds was left concussed early after landing on his head while chasing a kick from Herbie Farnworth. Later, Nelson Asofa-Solomona left the game in clear discomfort, holding his ribs.

There were initial fears that it was a much worse injury for Reynolds. He reported to medics that he had no feeling in his hands and feet, and is known to have been carrying a neck complaint.

The halfback was taken off on the medicab in a neck brace, but it was later confirmed to have been a precautionary measure.

The Broncos were eventually awarded a penalty try: Reynolds failed to ground the ball in time and went over the top, landing on his head, but the Bunker decided that Farnworth would have scored anyway had Harry Grant not held him back.

Asofa-Solomona had been held back from the start and introduced as an impact sub, but lasted mere minutes before going down favouring his ribs. If, as suspected, they are broken, he will miss a significant period.