A series of brazen break-ins across Brisbane’s inner-west suburbs has culminated in a dramatic underground sewer arrest, with three teenagers now facing multiple charges.
Police allege the group targeted homes in Red Hill and Auchenflower before moving to Paddington, where two vehicles — a Lexus and Land Rover — were stolen from an Annie Street residence around 1:30am Monday morning.
Police tracked the stolen vehicles to Herston, where they deployed tire deflation devices. Though the suspects abandoned the vehicles on Northey Street in Wilston, the pursuit continued on foot, leading to an unusual chase through the local drainage system.
Three teenagers were ultimately apprehended: a 16-year-old from Alexandra Hills and two others from Stafford, aged 16 and 17. One suspect received a dog bite during the arrest in an underground drainage system on Newmarket Road and remains under police guard in hospital. A fourth suspect remains at large.
The Alexandra Hills teenager faces 11 charges, while the 17-year-old Stafford boy has been charged with eight offences. Both charges include multiple counts of unlawful use of motor vehicles and entering dwellings.
Police are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with information about the break-ins in Red Hill, Auchenflower, or surrounding areas to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie commended the officers involved, particularly noting the contribution of the police dog squad in apprehending the suspects.
In a testament to persistence and determination, Brisbane Broncos’ forgotten man Cory Paix stands on the verge of a remarkable NRL return after being sidelined from the game for 526 days. The hooker, previously told he could leave the club under former coach Kevin Walters, has impressed new mentor Michael Maguire with his work ethic and resilience during pre-season training.
Despite a minor lower leg niggle keeping him from the trial against the Titans, Paix remains firmly in contention for the season opener against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium on 6 March. For the Toowoomba product, the opportunity to potentially play in front of his home crowd in the upcoming pre-season clash holds special significance.
Rather than accepting offers from two interested Sydney clubs, Paix chose the harder path. “The easy option would have been for me to leave, but being stubborn, I’ve dug my heels in and given it a red-hot crack,” Paix revealed. “It’s easy for people to whinge and kick stones, but it’s not in my nature to do that.”
New Coach, New Opportunities for Cory Paix
Maguire’s arrival has breathed fresh life into Paix’s career. The new coach’s emphasis on work ethic and leadership qualities aligns perfectly with Paix’s approach to the game. “It’s a clean start for everyone. Madge is demanding hard work and that suits my style,” Paix explained.
Drawing from his successful tenure at South Sydney, where he managed a talented hooking rotation including Issac Luke and Api Koroisau, Maguire sees value in maintaining strong competition for the number nine jersey. “If you have a quality group of hookers, it really helps your team,” Maguire stated.
Competition Intensifies
The battle for the dummy-half role has become increasingly intriguing with young gun Blake Mozer’s recent shoulder injury ruling him out of round one. While Billy Walters finished 2024 as the first-choice hooker, the arrival of marquee signing Ben Hunt adds another dimension to the selection puzzle.
Despite a minor lower leg niggle keeping him from the trial against the Titans, Paix remains firmly in contention for the season opener against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium on 6 March. For the Toowoomba product, the opportunity to potentially play in front of his home crowd in the upcoming pre-season clash holds special significance.
As the 2025 season approaches, Paix’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes the greatest victories come not from taking the easy path, but from staying the course through adversity. “No-one is guaranteed a spot here,” Paix acknowledged. “I will keep chipping away.”
Red Hill could soon celebrate a major win, with Kotoni Staggs on the verge of committing to the Brisbane Broncos in a multi-year deal worth $2 million.
While the powerhouse centre has not yet put pen to paper, negotiations are in advanced stages, and club officials are confident of securing his long-term future before the NRL season opener against the Roosters on March 6.
Brisbane’s Retention Battle
The Broncos have been working hard to lock in Staggs amid interest from Sydney clubs, including the Roosters, who are looking to replace outgoing stars. Despite external offers, reports suggest Staggs has indicated his desire to remain at Red Hill, with discussions now focused on final contract details.
If completed, the extension would keep Staggs in Brisbane until at least 2028, securing one of the club’s most explosive attacking weapons for the foreseeable future. However, until the deal is formally signed, the Broncos remain on alert as rival clubs monitor the situation.
With a big-money contract on the table for Staggs, the Broncos now face a tough salary cap puzzle, particularly regarding Selwyn Cobbo’s future. The club has been working on retaining both players, but Staggs’ potential deal could limit Brisbane’s ability to match outside offers for Cobbo, who has also attracted interest from rival NRL clubs.
For Broncos supporters, especially those in Red Hill and surrounding areas, the anticipation is building. Staggs has been a key figure in the club’s resurgence, and securing him would be a major boost under coach Michael Maguire’s leadership.
While formal confirmation is still pending, all signs point to Staggs staying in Brisbane. Now, it’s a waiting game to see when the deal is finalised.
Brisbane artist Rachel Burke has transformed personal grief into art with Thanks for Nothing, her latest exhibition at Side Gallery in Red Hill. Known for her vibrant and textured designs, Ms Burke uses intricate melty bead works to process her experience with recurrent pregnancy loss.
For two years, Ms Burke balanced public success with private sorrow, using crafting as a coping mechanism. Her journey began with a deeply personal moment—suffering a miscarriage while purchasing melty beads. The fragile plastic beads became a metaphor for pregnancy’s uncertainty, and the slow, repetitive process of arranging them offered a meditative path to healing.
Despite the prevalence of miscarriage, it remains a topic often met with silence or dismissive reassurances. Thanks for Nothing challenges this by incorporating phrases commonly heard during pregnancy loss—expressions intended to comfort but often leaving those affected feeling unheard. Through visual storytelling, Ms Burke invites open conversations, creating a space where others can see their experiences reflected and validated.
Blending Joy and Grief in Art
While the themes are deeply emotional, Ms Burke’s signature bright colours and nostalgic patterns contrast with the weight of grief, highlighting the coexistence of joy and sorrow. The exhibition includes large wall hangings, intricately crafted bags, and quilts inspired by the time spent recovering from loss. Vintage quilt motifs and cross-stitch patterns reinforce themes of care, memory, and resilience.
Beyond personal catharsis, Thanks for Nothing became a collective effort. Thousands of people contributed unused melty beads, repurposing materials that would have otherwise been discarded. Sustainability played a key role, with all materials either thrifted or donated. Alongside the exhibition, workshops and discussions provided opportunities for others to engage in creative healing.
More than an art exhibition, Thanks for Nothing, which runs from 1 February 2025 to 14 February 2025, is a statement on resilience and the power of creative expression in processing trauma. Through each tiny bead, Ms Burke has woven a deeply personal yet universally resonant narrative—one that transforms pain into connection and silence into dialogues.
In a groundbreaking move that signals a new era for rugby league development in Queensland, the Brisbane Broncos will join forces with their state rivals to create an innovative youth competition designed to bridge a crucial gap in player pathways.
This historic collaboration between the Brisbane Broncos, The Dolphins, North Queensland Cowboys, and Gold Coast Titans will establish a nine-week development league for emerging talent, paving the way for the highly anticipated return of the National Youth Competition (NYC) in 2026.
For Broncos faithful, this initiative strengthens the club’s future talent pipeline by providing young prospects with high-quality matches against their peers from Queensland’s other rugby league clubs. It addresses a longstanding disadvantage compared to Sydney-based teams, which have benefited from more established youth competitions.
Building Tomorrow’s Broncos
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy, leveraging his experience from the Melbourne Storm during the previous NYC era, has thrown his support behind the concept while emphasising the importance of a measured approach.
“It’s really important as a Queensland-based club that there needs to be parity with our competitors,” Donaghy said, highlighting the strategic significance of the development league for the Broncos’ future success.
The competition structure will see Brisbane’s young guns face each rival team twice in a round-robin format, with discussions underway about potentially staging these matches as curtain-raisers to NRL fixtures at Suncorp Stadium.
Pathway to the Big League
The timing of this Queensland development series is ideal for the Broncos, as it aligns with the NRL’s broader vision for youth development. The competition will commence after the conclusion of the Mal Meninga Cup in May, ensuring a seamless transition for promising players who may not yet be ready for Queensland Cup football.
For Brisbane’s loyal fanbase, this means more opportunities to witness the club’s future stars in action as they take crucial steps towards professional careers. The competition will serve as a vital stepping stone for young players aspiring to follow in the footsteps of current Broncos stars like Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, and Ben Hunt, all of whom emerged from the original NYC system.
Looking Ahead to 2026
This Queensland development league is just the beginning of a broader transformation in rugby league’s youth pathways. With the NRL investigating the revival of a national under-21s competition in 2026, the Broncos are positioning themselves at the forefront of youth development in Queensland.
The new competition structure directly addresses the historical challenges that have placed Queensland clubs at a disadvantage compared to their New South Wales counterparts, who have long benefited from the established Jersey Flegg Cup. By taking proactive steps now, the Broncos will be well-prepared when the national competition returns.
QRL boss Ben Ikin, who chairs the Pathways Steering Committee, has pledged full support for the initiative, ensuring the competition will have access to quality match officials and venues. This backing from Queensland’s governing body reinforces the credibility of what promises to be a major development in the Broncos’ youth pathway system.
The Brisbane Broncos are once again opening their doors to the community, offering a unique opportunity for sports trainers and strappers to hone their skills. On Tuesday, 18 February at 6:00 pm, the club will host its annual Strapping and Education Night at the iconic Red Hill training facility.
Proudly supported by Elastoplast and the Broncos’ Hostplus Cup affiliates—the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and Souths Logan Magpies—this free event promises to be an invaluable learning experience for participants of all skill levels.
Strapping is a critical skill in sports medicine, helping to prevent injuries and support athletes during recovery. Led by Matt Barradeen, a key member of the Broncos’ medical staff, the evening will focus on best practices in strapping and sports training. Whether attendees are seasoned professionals or newcomers to the field, the session aims to provide practical knowledge that can be applied across various levels of sport.
Broncos Launch Charity Partners Program with Record-Breaking Ambitions
The Brisbane Broncos are doubling down on their commitment to the community, announcing 12 inspiring new charity partners for 2025, which include organisations such as Ambulance Wish QLD, Cancer Council Queensland, Youngcare, and the Black Dog Institute, among others. These partnerships highlight the Broncos’ focus on addressing critical issues across health, social justice, and community welfare.
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy highlighted the club’s commitment to Queensland communities, noting the legacy of Clive Berghofer, whose $130 million in donations inspires their ongoing efforts. Donaghy stated, “I find it really apt that we get to come into this building, the Clive Berghofer Centre each and every day, and be reminded of Clive’s unwavering support of Queensland community groups that has amassed more than $130M to date.”
The Broncos’ fundraising, including game-day 50-50 raffles, raised a record $900,000 in 2024, and the club aims to exceed $1 million in 2025. Head coach Michael Maguire also shared his enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasising the importance of community engagement. “What we do off the field and away from footy, is just as important, if not more than what we do on the paddock,” Maguire said.
From empowering sports trainers to supporting life-changing charities, the Broncos continue to demonstrate their commitment to the people of Queensland, proving once again that they’re more than just a football club. Join them in making a difference—on and off the field.
Plans to extend clearways along Musgrave Road-Waterworks Road have been announced, as part of the Brisbane Clearway Action Plan, which aims to assess whether longer clearway hours are needed on this key corridor connecting Red Hill to The Gap.
The Musgrave Road-Waterworks Road corridor is one of the busiest suburban routes leading into Brisbane’s CBD, carrying thousands of vehicles daily. Currently, clearway restrictions apply on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. inbound and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. outbound, but city authorities will review whether these hours should be extended, including possible weekend restrictions.
Authorities have identified Red Hill as a critical point along this corridor, where parked cars frequently force lane weaving and slow-moving traffic. The goal of the extended clearways is to reduce congestion without requiring costly road widening projects.
Managing Traffic Flow Without Major Infrastructure Changes
As Brisbane continues to grow, city officials are looking for cost-effective solutions to ease congestion. Expanding clearways has been effective in other major cities, with Sydney’s Clearways Strategy reducing weekday travel times by up to 46 per cent in some areas. Brisbane’s initiative is expected to follow a similar model by optimising the existing road network.
BCC aims to improve traffic reliability along a corridor that experiences heavy commuter flow every day. The review will assess how extending clearway hours might impact travel times, particularly during non-peak periods.
Traffic Enforcement and Clearway Compliance in Red Hill
Clearways in Brisbane are already heavily monitored, with fines and towing enforcement in place for non-compliant vehicles. In 2024, authorities recorded over 9,650 instances of motorists blocking clearways, resulting in more than 1,660 towed vehicles.
The fine for stopping in a clearway is currently three penalty units, or approximately $480. Officials have reiterated that illegally parked cars can reduce road capacity by up to 50 per cent, further contributing to congestion.
BCC will conduct public consultations with residents and businesses along Musgrave Road and Waterworks Road, with feedback informing final decisions on clearway extensions. The review covers the full corridor between Red Hill and The Gap.
This will be the first major clearway update in more than two years, following the Kelvin Grove Road-Enoggera Road extension in 2022, which saved an estimated 6,500 hours in travel time per year.
City officials have indicated that once the Musgrave Road-Waterworks Road review is completed, additional clearway extensions across Brisbane may be considered.
A road rage incident in Auchenflower has ignited widespread debate after a pedestrian filmed a BMW driver berating him while allegedly violating multiple road rules. Captured near the Wesley Hospital, the footage has since gone viral across social media.
A Brisbane man was legally crossing at a pedestrian light when the driver of a BMW blasted his horn, making an obscene hand gesture. The pedestrian, confused but unfazed, continued walking. Moments later, he noticed the driver had performed a U-turn. The situation was no longer just an impatient honk—it had escalated.
Realising the potential risk, he pulled out his phone and started recording. That decision would soon bring thousands of eyes to the unfolding scene. He later uploaded the footage to TikTok, where it quickly gained traction, accumulating over 10,000 likes.
Verbal Abuse and Apparent Rule Violations
At the next red light, the BMW driver pulled up beside the pedestrian. His anger was unrelenting. “Get off the road!” he shouted, expletives laced through his rant. Seeing the phone recording him only seemed to fuel his frustration. The driver, still behind the wheel, then took out his own phone and began recording.
Queensland road rules explicitly prohibit drivers from using a mobile phone unless their vehicle is parked. Yet, the driver continued filming with one hand on the wheel and another on his phone. He hurled insults about the pedestrian’s appearance, barely pausing before the light turned green. As traffic resumed, he sped away.
The internet was quick to react. Many condemned the driver’s conduct, calling it reckless and illegal. Others pointed out that using a phone while driving could result in hefty fines and demerit points. Some even speculated whether the footage might help law enforcement take action.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) confirmed they had received a complaint regarding dangerous driving on Coronation Drive, Auchenflower, in the past week. However, no further details were provided about any investigation or possible penalties.
Community Concerns Over Road Rage
For many, this incident wasn’t just another viral video—it was part of a larger problem. Brisbane residents have expressed growing concern about aggressive driving, particularly in high-traffic areas. Road rage incidents seem to be on the rise, and some question whether enough is being done to deter reckless behaviour.
The pedestrian who recorded the footage admitted he hesitated before sharing it, but he did so because he believed his experience was not isolated. Online, the sentiment was clear: too many had encountered similar aggression on Brisbane’s roads.
For now, the QPS has acknowledged the complaint. Whether further action will be taken remains uncertain. However, the incident has reignited discussions around road safety, with calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and greater awareness of pedestrian rights.
With road rage cases continuing to make headlines, authorities are urging drivers to stay calm and pedestrians to remain vigilant. Ultimately, safety—on both sides of the road—depends on awareness, enforcement, and accountability.
In a move that has sent ripples through the rugby league community, the Brisbane Broncos have secured the signature of 16-year-old prodigy Baxter Best, younger brother of Newcastle Knights and NSW State of Origin star Bradman Best.
The four-year deal is a major coup for the Broncos, reinforcing their commitment to developing top-tier young talent and ensuring their pathways remain among the strongest in the league.
Baxter has already emerged as one of Queensland’s most promising junior players, drawing comparisons to his older brother for his powerful playing style and natural flair. He has consistently stood out in junior competitions, proving his ability to match older and more experienced opponents. His performances in the Cyril Connell Cup and for Queensland’s under-15s schoolboys team have cemented his reputation as a future star in the making.
Bradman and Baxter Best : A Family Legacy in the Making
The Best family name carries significant weight in rugby league circles, thanks to Bradman’s meteoric rise as a powerhouse centre for the Knights and his impactful performances for NSW in the State of Origin arena. Now, Baxter is poised to carve out his own legacy, albeit on the opposite side of the Origin divide.
After the family’s move to Queensland, he became eligible for the Maroons, potentially setting up a future State of Origin rivalry with Bradman. While his older brother has already made his mark in the Blues jersey, Baxter’s journey is just beginning.
A Bright Future with the Broncos
Baxter’s decision to join the Broncos over other NRL suitors underscores the club’s strong reputation for nurturing young talent. This season, he will line up for the Souths Logan Magpies under-17s, where he will face stiffer competition and continue to hone his skills against top opposition. The signing reflects the Broncos’ long-term vision, as they continue to secure players with immense potential and invest in the future of the club.
For the Broncos, the signing is a testament to their long-term vision. By investing in players like Baxter, the club is not only securing its future but also ensuring that its development pathways remain among the strongest in the league.
As Baxter embarks on his journey with the Broncos, the rugby league world will be watching closely. With his combination of speed, size, and maturity, he has all the tools to follow in his brother’s footsteps and make a name for himself at the highest level.
Ben Hunt has detailed the cultural overhaul driving Brisbane’s 2024 ambitions, declaring the Broncos’ pre-season under Michael Maguire the toughest he’s experienced since returning to the club.
New coach Michael Maguire has wasted no time integrating Hunt into the club’s senior leadership group alongside Adam Reynolds, Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas, and Kotoni Staggs. While Reynolds continues to hold the captaincy, Hunt’s inclusion underscores the immense value placed on his experience and deep understanding of the Broncos’ culture.
Reflecting on his decision to return, Hunt shared, “It was always in my heart that if I ever had an opportunity to finish my career here or ever get back, it was something I really wanted to do.” Hunt’s choice to rejoin the Broncos over a lucrative offer from the Dolphins highlights his emotional connection to the club where his NRL journey began.
The Broncos that Hunt rejoins in 2025 bear little resemblance to the team he left in 2017. The tin shed training facility of old has been replaced by a state-of-the-art $27 million headquarters, and the playing roster has undergone a near-complete transformation. Hunt, however, views these changes as an opportunity to contribute rather than a challenge to overcome.
Hunt also confirms that Maguire’s approach has galvanised Brisbane’s star-studded roster. Under Maguire’s leadership, the team is focused on core values that resonate deeply with Hunt’s career. “The big drivers Madge is bringing in are working hard, competing, and never giving up on your mate,” Hunt explained, reflecting on the emphasis of a recent leadership camp that underscores the Broncos’ renewed direction.
Ben Hunt Embraces His Role in a Redemption Mission
Hunt’s return is more than symbolic. With the potential to reach 200 games for the Broncos this season, his immediate focus is on aiding the team’s premiership aspirations. With Ezra Mam suspended for nine games, Hunt will start at five-eighth in Round 1—a role he’s embraced. “I feel like it’s gone full circle with Madge; he obviously gave me my debut jersey and now, I’m a little older but he’s still showing faith in me,” he said.
For fans, his homecoming is a source of both nostalgia and optimism. Hunt’s experience, coupled with the club’s evolution under Maguire, positions him not just as a player but as a bridge connecting the team’s rich history to its ambitions for future success.
