Phoenix Pair Ruled Out Until New Year

The injury bug has bitten the South East Melbourne Phoenix once again, with star pair Gary Browne and Ryan Broekhoff ruled out of proceedings for the next 2-3 weeks.

Both players picked up their respective injuries in the classic double-overtime thriller against the Sydney Kings in Round 11. Browne was forced from the floor late in the second quarter with a calf problem, while a hip issue saw Broekhoff leave the game in the third quarter.

The pair will join Chinese centre Zhou Qi as absences from the side, with the star big man returning home for personal reasons earlier this week.

Owen Foxwell has been elected to replace Browne in the line-up following his starring performance against the Kings, while cult-hero Anzac Rissetto will replace Broekhoff.

Tohi Smith-Milner is the nominated replacement player for Qi.