Minto ruled out of game against
Rabbitohs

The Brisbane Broncos have suffered a cruel blow, with winger Scott Minto ruled out of this weekend?s clash with Souths due to a chronic neck injury, this to add to the already injury ravaged backline.

The 25-year-old is now in doubt for the upcoming finals series, with scans and an appointment with the specialist to determine his immediate playing future.

Whatever the outcome, his withdrawal causes more headaches for coach Wayne Bennett, who is already without David Stagg (ankle), Tonie Carroll (shoulder), Darren Lockyer (ribs) Ashley Alberts (shoulder) and Craig Frawley (hamstring), leaving Nick Parfitt the only apparent option.

After overcoming a neck complaint to take the field in the past two matches, Minto said he had completed last Saturday night's match against Wests Tigers without any problems but on Monday at a jersey signing the problem flared.

"It was shocking. There was no way I could drive home," he said.

"I had the same problem a month ago when I missed the Warriors and Sharks games but it's worse than last time.

"The first time I had a problem was after I played for the Clydesdales against Wynnum in May. I'm sure it'll be all right but I'll go and see a bloke (the specialist) about it tomorrow."

While Parfitt has been in sterling form for the Toowoomba Clydesdales this season, he has been out of action with a shoulder injury for the past month.