Not only were the Broncos beaten 38-26 by a classy Woolgoolga side, but they also lost impressive half Edgar Cowell to a horrific leg injury.

Cowell broke his leg just prior to the half time break in Sunday’s match, after contesting his own grubber kick near the Sea Horses try line.

The Broncos had been well and truly in the match up until that point, but fell away in the second half after Cowell was taken away in an ambulance.

Dunghutti now faces the unenviable task of playing a resurgent Port Macquarie Sharks without their chief playmaker in a do or die game at Verge Street this weekend.

The Broncos will be joined at Verge Street by both the Mustangs reserve grade and under 18s sides for a super Saturday of matches.

The Mustangs reserves were particularly impressive in defeating Woolgoolga 39-12 in the minor preliminary semi final at Port on Saturday and must now beat the Sharks to keep their season alive.

“Our blokes were quite impressive,” Mustangs president Jeff Haisell said after the win.

“They were solid throughout the game. It was a pretty warm day down at Port and I think Woolgoolga felt the heat a bit more than our blokes, who just kept going.”

Trevor Towers finished with a personal haul of 17 points while Mick Hudson, halfback Luke Dufty and Rod Ahoy all contributed.

“If they can maintain that sort of football I think they have a few more weeks in them,” Haisell said.

In the under 18s, the Mustangs began well, but faded late to lose to Port 24-16 at Woolgoolga.

The 18s face Orara Valley at home for a place in the final.