Brisbane Broncos forward Sam Thaiday says captain Darius Boyd is still a chance to play in Friday night's qualifying final against the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium.
Boyd suffered a minor tear in his hamstring late in the first half of Brisbane's 10-point victory over the North Queensland Cowboys in Round 26.
He left the field and did not take any part in the second half, with Kodi Nikorima shifting to fullback.
Nikorima will most likely start in the position if Boyd cannot recover in time for Friday's clash, but Thaiday remains hopeful that his team's inspirational leader may recover in time.
Thaiday made the trip to Sydney for the 2017 Telstra Premiership Finals launch in place of Boyd on Monday, leaving his captain in Brisbane to continue his rehabilitation.
"He didn't travel today for the reason being that we want him to try and play week one," Thaiday said.
"We will see how he goes by the end of the week. He's not having a day off and will continue to rehab and do everything he can to try and play.
"Being in the position we are in at the moment we are lucky that we do get a second chance."
The Broncos finished third at the end of the regular season, meaning they will get another life if they succumb to the Roosters on Friday.
This is incentive for Boyd to rest his hamstring, with a semi-final clash at Suncorp Stadium looming if he is rested for the match against Sydney and Brisbane lose.
Brisbane have ample troops to cover for Boyd who is one of a host of Broncos currently suffering from injury.
Prop Korbin Sims has joined hooker Andrew McCullough on the sidelines for the rest of the season, and Tevita Pangai Junior is also battling to be fit after injuring his hamstring in Round 26.
Despite these setbacks, Thaiday believes the Broncos are still in a strong position heading into the finals.
"There are a few injuries there but we have good depth at the moment," he said.
"We've got a great senior player in Benji Marshall there who can play in the halves if Kodi plays fullback.
"Ben Hunt's been playing some outstanding football at No.9. He's come into his own, especially last week against the Cowboys.
"I can play in the front row so we do have great depth and can fill the voids."
