Brisbane Broncos Archives - Paddington Today

Broncos Return to the Cauldron Seeking Redemption Against the Eels

The schlacking by the Panthers was a massive wake up call for the Broncos but let’s not kid ourselves, they were very ordinary for 30% of last season and gradually found their 5th gear to beat all-comers.

The eery silence that filled the ground towards the end of the game, is not something Madge and the boys will ever want to hear again.

The Parramatta Eels arrive in Brisbane carrying wounds of their own after a heavy Round 1 loss to Melbourne, meaning both sides enter the contest desperate for their first win of the 2026 season.

In front of another expectant Suncorp Stadium crowd, the match has quickly become more than just another early-round fixture. It is a test of response, resilience and pride.

Match Snapshot

Broncos vs Eels
Round 2 — Thursday, March 12
7:00pm AEST | Suncorp Stadium
Channel 9 / Fox League / Kayo

Team Line-Ups

Team News

Brisbane Broncos

Coach Michael Maguire has resisted the urge to panic after the Round 1 defeat, naming largely the same 17 to face Parramatta. Ezra Mam has again been listed at five-eighth with veteran Ben Hunt on the bench in a flexible playmaking rotation that could shift during the match.

The Broncos remain without back-rower Brendan Piakura as he continues recovering from a knee injury.

Blake Mozer, Delouise Hoeter and Thomas Duffy have been added to the extended squad as the club maintains depth across the roster heading into the short turnaround.

Despite the disappointment against Penrith, Maguire’s message has been clear: improvement will come through execution rather than sweeping changes.

Paramatta Eels

Parramatta travel north boosted by the return of winger Josh Addo-Carr from a thumb injury. His inclusion pushes Sean Russell into the centres and adds pace to the Eels’ backline.

However, the Eels will be without forward J’maine Hopgood, who is serving a suspension following the opening-round defeat to Melbourne.

Coach Jason Ryles has reshuffled his pack accordingly, with Jack Williams moving into the starting front-row and Kelma Tuilagi promoted to the starting side.

Broncos Reality Check

Broncos fans know last week simply wasn’t good enough.

Brisbane completed just 61 percent of their sets and produced 19 errors against Penrith — numbers that made sustained attacking pressure almost impossible.

For a side built on momentum through the middle and quick attacking shifts from players like Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam, that lack of control proved fatal.

The encouraging sign for Brisbane supporters is that premiership teams rarely stay down for long. Thursday night now becomes an opportunity to reset their standards.

Key Match-Up

Adam Reynolds vs Mitchell Moses

The tactical battle between the two veteran halfbacks could ultimately shape the contest.

Reynolds controls Brisbane’s tempo with precise kicking and field positioning, while Moses provides Parramatta with one of the NRL’s most dangerous long-range kicking games.

Whichever playmaker wins the territorial battle will give their side the platform to attack.

Players to Watch

Several Broncos will be under the spotlight as Brisbane looks to reignite its attack.

Reece Walsh

The Broncos fullback is rarely quiet two weeks in a row. Expect Walsh to be heavily involved as Brisbane look to ignite their attack through broken play and quick shifts.

Adam Reynolds

The veteran halfback remains the organiser of Brisbane’s attack. His kicking game and calm decision-making will be critical against an Eels side led by Mitchell Moses.

Xavier Willison

With Payne Haas set to depart the club in the future, young forward Xavier Willison is increasingly viewed as part of Brisbane’s long-term middle-forward leadership. The New Zealand representative has credited Haas as a key mentor as he continues to develop his game.

3 Questions for the Broncos

Can the discipline improve?

Brisbane’s 19 errors and low completion rate against Penrith prevented the Broncos from building any sustained pressure. Reducing those mistakes will be the first step toward rediscovering their attacking rhythm.

Will the Reynolds–Mam combination click?

The halves pairing remains central to Brisbane’s structure. If Adam Reynolds can control territory and Ezra Mam finds space to attack, the Broncos’ backline suddenly becomes far more dangerous.

How will the forwards respond?

The Broncos’ premiership run was built on dominance through the middle. Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan and the forward pack will be expected to set the tone early against a Parramatta side missing key enforcer J’maine Hopgood.

Broncos vs Eels: What are the odds?

Bookmakers have installed Brisbane as strong favourites heading into Thursday night, reflecting the Broncos’ home advantage and overall roster strength.

Several analysts expect the defending premiers to respond strongly, predicting a comfortable victory if Brisbane rediscover their discipline and attacking rhythm.

The Stakes

For the Broncos, Thursday night is about more than two competition points.

It is about restoring confidence, re-establishing standards and reminding the competition why Brisbane lifted the premiership trophy only months ago.

The Cauldron has seen countless Broncos redemption stories over the years.

On Thursday night, Suncorp Stadium will be expecting another one.

Published 11-March-2026

Reality Check at Red Hill: 5 Surprising Truths from the Broncos’ Tough Round 1 Start

A historic shutout, 18 errors and a tactical gamble that misfired — Brisbane’s title defence began with a harsh reality check.

The stage was set for a coronation at Suncorp Stadium. On a humid Friday night, 45,566 fans packed the stands to welcome the 2025 premiers back home, expecting the Brisbane Broncos to reinforce their status as the NRL’s new gold standard. Instead, it turned into a sobering reminder of how hard defending a title really is.

In a performance described by a veteran observer as “shambolic,” a side that etched its name in history only months ago suddenly looked out of sync. The hunters may have become the hunted overnight, and the transition from chasing the crown to defending it is proving anything but simple.

The heaviest fall of the modern era

The 26-0 scoreline was more than just a loss; it was a statistical shock. By failing to register a single point in front of their home crowd, the Broncos suffered the heaviest Round 1 defeat of a defending premier in the history of the NRL. A shutout of this magnitude hurts because it exposes problems on both sides of the ball at once.

As noted in the official NRL record, the result echoed a moment from nearly four decades ago: “It was the biggest win against a premier in the opening round of the season since 1988 when the Broncos beat Manly 44-10 in the club’s first game in the NSWRL Premiership.”

For Brisbane to find themselves on the other side of that statistic 38 years later is a reminder that premiership hangovers can be real. The good news for Broncos fans is that Round 1 doesn’t define a season.

Madge’s ‘Super Sub’ plan didn’t quite land

In a late tactical gamble, Michael Maguire attempted to replicate part of the 2025 Grand Final blueprint. Veteran Ben Hunt was elevated to the starting five-eighth role, with Ezra Mam shifted to the bench just an hour before kickoff. With Cory Paix starting at hooker, the plan appeared to be using Hunt’s control early before unleashing Mam later as a spark against a tiring defensive line.

But the Broncos never quite generated the platform needed to make it work. Without sustained field position or pressure, Penrith’s defence stayed fresh. When Mam entered in the 30th minute with Brisbane trailing 10-0, he had little space to work with.

It was less a failure of the idea and more a reminder that even clever tactics rely on a forward pack winning the early exchanges.

A messy night for the spine

Perhaps the most frustrating part for Broncos fans was seeing a usually electric spine struggle to click.

Reece Walsh, often capable of turning a match in seconds, endured one of those nights when nothing quite falls your way. The most memorable moment came in the 27th minute when a clearing kick ricocheted off teammate Xavier Willison in an accidental-offside moment that summed up Brisbane’s luck.

Overall the Broncos made 18 errors and completed at just 61 percent. As Maguire noted post-match, when you hand over that much possession, fatigue inevitably follows.

That fatigue showed up defensively with 40 missed tackles, and Penrith’s edges took advantage. Thomas Jenkins’ double highlighted just how sharp the Panthers can be when given space.

Penrith remind everyone who they are

While Brisbane looked like a side still finding its rhythm, Penrith looked like a team determined to remind the competition they remain a force.

Nathan Cleary marked his 100th game as captain in style, while Dylan Edwards delivered a commanding performance from fullback. Edwards finished with 166 metres and a try, repeatedly inserting himself into attacking movements.

The Panthers’ defensive grit was just as telling. Their effort to hold Kotoni Staggs over the line late in the half became one of the defining moments of the night and underlined the discipline that has defined Penrith’s success in recent seasons.

A worrying pattern, but not panic stations yet

This loss also follows the 30-24 defeat to Hull KR in the World Club Challenge, where Brisbane trailed 18-4 at halftime. Slow starts are starting to form a pattern, and that is something the coaching staff will want to address quickly.

There are also longer-term questions looming with Payne Haas confirmed to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2027. For now, however, Haas remains a key part of the Broncos’ engine room, and the squad still contains plenty of elite talent.

Right now it feels less like a structural crisis and more like a team still adjusting to the pressures of defending a premiership.

The road ahead

The Broncos now return to the Clive Berghofer Centre to review the tape before a challenging run against the Eels, Storm and Dolphins.

The standard set in 2025 was always going to be hard to maintain. Round 1 was a harsh reminder of that.

Is the Broncos’ lack of cohesion a fixable coaching tweak, or have the Panthers just exposed an architectural flaw in the champions’ armor?

For now, the core of this side seems to still be strong. If the discipline and cohesion return quickly, the Broncos have more than enough talent to steady the ship and remind everyone why they lifted the trophy only months ago.

Published 3-March-2029

Brisbane Broncos 2026 Season Preview: The Champions Reload at Red Hill

Photo Credit: Brisbane Broncos

Defending a premiership isn’t a victory lap. It’s more like taking the first carry of the season straight into three defenders — no space, no sympathy, no excuses.

That’s where the Broncos find themselves in 2026.

At the Clive Berghofer Centre in Red Hill, they’re not the hunters anymore. They’re the standard. The premiers. And every side in the competition has circled them on the draw.

There’s reason for confidence — and reason for caution.

After throwing the kitchen sink at Hull KR in the last 20 minutes last week to go down 30-24 in the World Club Challenge but scoring at a point per minute in those last 20, Madge may feel a bit of deja-vous.

This team has required some revving up in the last year, it does not purr like a well tuned engine, it produces large doses of fumes and spits and then powers down the track and sets a new dragster record.

The big names out are real. Selwyn Cobbo’s strike has gone to the Dolphins. Kobe Hetherington’s work rate now belongs to Manly. Martin Taupau’s experience is no longer there when things get tight. Those aren’t small departures.

The ins matter too. Grant Anderson adds reliability and defensive polish. Tom Duffy gives depth in the halves. Aublix Tawha brings size and aggression through the middle. None are headline-grabbing splashes — but premiership sides aren’t built on headlines. They’re built on balance.

This isn’t a rebuild. But it’s not complacency either.

The Broncos enter 2026 as reigning premiers after that hard-earned grand final win over the Melbourne Storm. That title wasn’t flashy. It was disciplined. It was physical. It was controlled by captain Adam Reynolds when the pressure peaked.

Backing it up will demand even more.

The Spine Still Sets the Standard

As fans, we know this: if the spine fires, Brisbane are dangerous.

Reece Walsh isn’t just electric — he changes defensive structures. Reynolds and Ezra Mam give the side composure and spark in equal measure. When they’re connected, Brisbane can score from anywhere.

Through the middle, Patrick Carrigan remains the defensive heartbeat, while Payne Haas continues to set the benchmark for power and work rate in the engine room. Haas confirmed this week he will join South Sydney ahead of the 2027 season, but for now the focus is firmly on one more campaign in Broncos colours.

If Carrigan and Haas win the ruck, Brisbane win momentum. When they don’t, the edges get exposed. That’s the simple truth.

Head coach Michael Maguire deserves credit for embedding defensive discipline in 2025. But year two is always different. The edge comes from within now, not from proving a point.

Early Tests

Billy Walters’ ACL recovery leaves questions around the hooking rotation early. Brendan Piakura’s Round 3 target return helps, but depth will be tested immediately.

And the 30–24 World Club Challenge loss to Hull KR? That wasn’t catastrophic — but it was instructive. Champions can’t afford to drift out of contests. The defensive standard has to be there from Round 1.

Round 1: No Grace Period

The title defence begins March 6 under lights at Suncorp Stadium against the Penrith Panthers.

That’s not easing into a season. That’s diving straight into it.

Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy said last year there was no better way to open — and he’s right. This is the stage you want as champions.

“There’s no better way to start 2026 than under lights at Suncorp Stadium, in front of our members and fans,” Donaghy said in a club statement last year.

“No one could forget that energy and atmosphere at home against Penrith in the prelim – it was one of those defining Broncos’ moments. To open the new season against Penrith, at home, that’s the kind of stage we want and will set the tone for 2026,” he added.

Penrith arrive with Nathan Cleary cleared to play. They won’t blink. Neither can Brisbane.

A First Month That Will Tell Us Plenty

Round 1 – Panthers (Suncorp Stadium)
Round 2 – Eels (Suncorp Stadium)
Round 3 – Storm (AAMI Park)
Round 4 – Dolphins (Suncorp Stadium)

Three of the first four at home is an opportunity — but it’s also pressure. If Brisbane start flat, the noise will come quickly.

Projected Round 1 Outlook

Official teams are confirmed during match week, but expect continuity.

Walsh at fullback. Reynolds and Mam steering the attack. Carrigan and Haas setting the tone in the middle. Corey Jensen and Jordan Riki working the edges. Ben Hunt’s versatility stabilising the spine.

The likely bench rotation — Xavier Willison, Ben Talty, Aublix Tawha and Grant Anderson — offers size and adaptability.

It’s a strong 17 on paper.

But paper doesn’t win back-to-back titles.

Red Hill Sets the Tone

At training, intensity looks sharp. Standards appear uncompromising. But this is the NRL. No one cares what you did last year.

The Broncos have the roster. They have the coach. They have the belief.

Now they have to prove they still have the edge.

And fans will back them — loudly — while demanding they earn it again.

Published 24-February-2026

Brisbane Broncos Players Back $750,000 Fundraiser For Sunshine Coast Girl’s US Cancer Treatment

Photo Credit: GoFundMe

Two Brisbane Broncos players have thrown their support behind a major fundraising campaign to help a six-year-old Sunshine Coast girl access specialist cancer treatment in the United States.

Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam have promoted a GoFundMe appeal for Tessa Perry, who is living with relapsed Stage 4 neuroblastoma.

Diagnosis And Relapse

Tessa, from Palmview on the Sunshine Coast, was first diagnosed in November 2023. She underwent chemotherapy and two bone marrow transplants and was later cleared of the disease before the cancer returned at the end of frontline treatment.

Her family has been advised there are no remaining curative options available in Australia.

Tessa has been receiving treatment at Queensland Children’s Hospital.

Tessa Perry fundraiser — *Photo Credit: GoFundMe*

$750,000 Goal For Overseas Treatment

The family is now seeking access to specialist treatment in the United States, with the fundraising target set at $750,000. Campaign organisers have called for 75,000 people to contribute $10 each to help reach the target. Donations remain open as the family continues to seek the remaining funds required.

Prize Details For Donors

As part of the awareness campaign, donations of $25 or more are eligible for prize draws promoted by the players.

The highest verified single donation received before 6 p.m. AEST on Sunday, March 1, 2026, will receive a signed pair of game-worn boots, six home game tickets for one match this year and an opportunity to meet some of the team on the day.

Additional prizes include a signed match-worn jersey and a separate four-ticket home game experience with an opportunity to meet some of the team. Winners are scheduled to be announced at 6 p.m. AEST on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Brisbane Broncos — *Photo Credit: Nash Dawson/Instagram*

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Recent Community Update

A recent update on the fundraising outlined a Make-A-Wish Australia experience for Tessa in South Brisbane, where her request to see snow was recreated locally due to medical travel restrictions.

Published 22-Feb-2026

Former Paddington Home of Broncos Legend Up For Auction on Valentine’s Day

Photo Credit: Place Kangaroo Point

A piece of Brisbane rugby league history is set to change hands next month, with the former Paddington home of Broncos legend Darren Lockyer going under the hammer on Valentine’s Day.

The property at 23 Agars Street, which Lockyer and his wife Loren called home for nine years, will be auctioned on 14 February at 6pm. The couple purchased the land in 2012 for $1.125 million and built their family residence in 2015, shortly after the NRL great retired from professional football.

The award-winning home last sold in 2024 for $6.4 million to a local family, who have since undertaken extensive renovations including a new kitchen, updated electrical systems, a fresh coat of paint, roof restoration and a new driveway.

According to listing agent Simon Caulfield from Place Kangaroo Point, the current owners—a couple with one child—have decided to sell because they believe the spacious property would better suit a larger family.

“This is Darren Lockyer’s former family home, so there’s an immediate emotional connection for a lot of people,” Mr Caulfield said. “But beyond the name, buyers are responding to what the home delivers. A finished, award-winning house on a large, flat block in Paddington is something we just don’t see very often.”

The single-level home sits on a rare 1,628-square-metre block—an unusually generous size for a property so close to the CBD. It features five bedrooms and two bathrooms, with architects Paul Owen and Michael Lineburg designing the residence as a series of interconnected spaces linked by long hallways and undercrofts.

The architectural design earned recognition at both state and regional levels, receiving the Robin Dods Award for Residential Architecture (Houses – New) in 2015. The Robin Dods Award is the Queensland chapter’s premier honour for new residential architecture, awarded by the Australian Institute of Architects.

The property includes a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, solar power with battery storage, and remote-controlled entry gates leading to a private carport. Two separate backyard spaces connect to the central living areas, creating what the architects designed with what Lockyer described in a 2018 interview as a “contemporary, Tuscan feel”.

At the time, Lockyer told media outlets the location was ideal for his family. “The location is great for our kids,” he said. “It’s also close to cafes, restaurants and parks.”

Co-listing agent Courtney Caulfield said interest has been strong from high-end buyers seeking a move-in-ready property that doesn’t require renovation work. “Everything is on one level, the outdoor spaces feel safe and connected, and it’s been such a comfortable place to raise [the current vendors’] child,” she said.

The property is within walking distance of Paddington’s cafes, restaurants and boutiques, near Gregory Park’s sporting facilities, and close to several prestigious schools including Brisbane Grammar School, Brisbane Girls Grammar School and St Joseph’s College.

Lockyer, who played his entire 17-year professional career with the Brisbane Broncos and now serves on the club’s board, has since moved on to a New Farm property with his family. According to property records cited by View.com.au, the Lockyers purchased a renovated six-bedroom Queenslander in New Farm for $5.05 million in late 2024.

Published 24-January-2026

Former Broncos Star and Wife Launch Luxury Property Venture in Paddington

Photo Credit: Instagram / @kaylaboyd_

A former Brisbane Broncos player and his wife have revealed the first images of their inaugural Paddington venture through their newly established boutique property development company.

Kayla Boyd shared renderings of “Pavélle”, a Paddington heritage home transformation, via Instagram on New Year’s Eve. The project marks the first development under Deseño Group, the couple’s business venture with husband Darius Boyd, which describes its offering as “curated luxury from concept to completion”.

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A post shared by KAYLA. (@kaylaboyd_)

The Boyds have previously gained attention for their residential property renovations across Brisbane’s inner suburbs. Their most recent sale, a property called “Mala” in Grange, achieved $4.5 million in July 2024 and became the most viewed listing nationally on realestate.com.au, according to the source article.

The Paddington project involves relocating and raising the existing pre-war structure while constructing new lower levels. Plans indicate the development will incorporate a sauna, carport, and mud room, along with a swimming pool.

Working within heritage conservation requirements, the development aims to preserve the home’s street-facing character whilst modernising the interior spaces. The couple has previously completed two other pre-war renovations: House of Hendra and Vogue Haus, the latter also located in Paddington and subsequently used for photography purposes.

Kayla Boyd handles interior design responsibilities, collaborating with Rogue Architects, Arqo Building, and Westera Partners on the project. According to the source material, construction is scheduled to commence this month.

The development represents the formalisation of the Boyds’ property activities under the Deseño Group brand, transitioning from individual renovation projects to an established development firm operating in Brisbane’s prestige property market.

Published 1-January-2026

Broncos Reveal Bold New Look as Brisbane Charges Into a New Era

Photo Credit: Brisbane Broncos

The Brisbane Broncos have revealed a sweeping rebrand set to roll out in 2026, marking the club’s most significant image overhaul in 25 years. Fresh off their drought-breaking 2025 premiership, the club says the timing could not be better to redefine how Brisbane presents itself to the rugby league world. The full redesign includes a new logo and a striking tribute jersey that nods to one of the club’s most influential figures.

For locals across Paddington, Red Hill and the inner west, the change feels particularly close to home. The Broncos’ training base sits in our neighbourhood, and the announcement has already sparked plenty of chat in cafés along Given Terrace. Love it or question it, the redesign marks a moment in the city’s sporting story.

A Forward-Facing Bronco for a Forward-Moving City

The centrepiece of the refresh is a completely new logo, only the third to appear in the club’s nearly four-decade history. This version features a front-facing Bronco locked into a more assertive stance, framed by a shield inspired by the original 1988 crest. A flowing stripe cutting through the horse pays tribute to the Brisbane River, grounding the design in local identity.

For the first time, the word “Broncos” has been removed from the crest entirely. Instead, “Brisbane” stands boldly at the top, reflecting the club’s intent to represent the city on a global stage. The club says the change mirrors Brisbane’s growth and the opportunities ahead of the 2032 Olympics, noting that the redesign was shaped over 18 months of consultation with players, staff, member groups and branding specialists.

Cyril Connell Honoured With New Away Strip

While the classic maroon-and-gold home kit remains untouched, the away jersey has undergone a major shift.

The 2026 strip will feature a deep midnight blue in honour of Cyril Connell, the revered Broncos scout who helped identify and nurture many of the club’s great players.

Cyril Connell tribute jersey. Photo Credit: Brisbane Broncos

Connell, who passed away in 2009, is remembered as a quiet influencer whose belief in emerging talent shaped the club’s DNA. The last tribute jersey in his honour appeared in 2010, worn by a young Ben Hunt.

With the return of the design next season, current players say they feel proud to carry on Connell’s legacy and the values he embedded both on and off the field.

A Bigger Show for the Fans

Alongside its visual refresh, the club is planning an upgraded game-day experience at Suncorp Stadium. With strong home-crowd averages this season, the Broncos say supporters deserve a show that matches the energy and atmosphere seen in major American and European sports events.

Game days will lean further into entertainment, production and spectacle, building on the electric scenes at this year’s preliminary final. The club has also begun updating billboards across Queensland and will roll out Broncos colours on the iconic BRISBANE letters at South Bank.

Community Reaction: Pride, Curiosity and a Bit of Debate

In Paddington, reactions to the rebrand have been passionate but varied. Some longtime fans say the forward-facing Bronco captures the confidence of a modern club, while others admit they need time to adjust after decades of familiarity. Many locals agree, however, that the Cyril Connell tribute is a respectful and well-deserved nod to the club’s roots.

What is clear is that the rebrand has sparked renewed conversation about identity, tradition and the shared pride that comes with supporting Brisbane’s flagship rugby league team. For a suburb deeply tied to the Broncos’ story, the shift feels like another chapter in an ongoing bond.

Charging On Toward 2026

For the club, the redesign signals both a tribute to the past and a stride into the future. With a premiership behind them and an Olympic-era Brisbane emerging ahead, the Broncos have made their intentions clear: the next era starts now, and they are ready to charge on.

Published 26-Nov-2025

Brisbane Broncos Facility Hit By Fire As Stolen Car Burns Near Training Base

A stolen car caught fire in the car park beside the Brisbane Broncos’ Clive Berghofer Centre in Red Hill, prompting a rapid response from emergency crews.

Emergency Response Near Major Facility

The incident involved a vehicle alleged to have been stolen that was later found burning close to the club’s 27 million dollar headquarters. Police and fire crews arrived to put out the flames, and officers began investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Emergency services reached the scene soon after the blaze was reported. Police took control of the scene once the fire was out and began checking early evidence as part of their investigation. No injuries were reported during the incident.

Staff Vehicle Damaged In Heat

The burning vehicle caused heat damage to a staff member’s car parked nearby. Media reports confirmed that the staff vehicle was affected as a result of the blaze.

The training buildings and fields were not harmed. The club is expected to review parking and access points around the facility as a routine security measure.

Training Centre Not Affected

Reports stated that the main facility did not suffer structural damage. The club noted no impact to the centre or training grounds. Regular team activities are expected to continue without interruption.

Community And Safety Considerations

The fire drew interest within the local area due to the training centre’s position in a busy part of Red Hill. The incident prompted attention to general safety around the precinct.

Police are investigating the matter and will examine available surveillance and witness reports to gather more information about the stolen car and how it was brought to the site.

Published 21-November-2025

Broncos Legends Meet Young Cancer Battler in Red Hill

Photo Credit: GoFundMe

Nine-year-old Myah McGuigan, who has been battling a rare form of ovarian cancer, met Brisbane Broncos legends Sam Thaiday and Corey Oates at the team’s training centre in Red Hill, where the visit marked the end of her treatment and celebrated her strength through illness.

Visit at Red Hill

The visit took place as the Broncos prepared for their preliminary final against Penrith, providing both players and staff with a morale boost ahead of the game. Myah was welcomed to the training centre by Thaiday and Oates, who spent time with her during a team walk-around and training session. Her father, David McGuigan, described the day as symbolic of her recovery and an opportunity to celebrate how far she had come.

Thaiday and Oates acknowledged Myah’s courage, noting how her story inspired those around her. The event served as a positive moment for both the family and the team, with the players drawing strength from her determination.

Broncos legends Red Hill — Photo Credit: GoFundMe

From Diagnosis to Recovery

Earlier in 2025, Myah was diagnosed with an ovarian germ cell tumour after her parents noticed she had lost her appetite and was feeling unwell. Tests revealed a tumour measuring about 15 centimetres by 8 centimetres, prompting immediate chemotherapy at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.

Within a week of diagnosis, she began treatment, which successfully reduced the tumour’s size and allowed doctors to remove it surgically along with one ovary. Her family has since discussed fertility options with specialists. As of 30 July 2025, Myah was preparing for her final round of chemotherapy, and by late September, the Red Hill visit signified the conclusion of her treatment.

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Fundraising for Sick Kids

During her hospital stay, Myah drew inspiration from the “prize trolley” — a cart filled with donated toys given to children after difficult treatments. Wanting to help others, she launched a lemonade stall fundraiser and a GoFundMe campaign on 30 July 2025 to stock the hospital’s trolley with toys, books and crafts.

Family friends Sophie and Josh Burnett helped organise the fundraiser, with proceeds directed towards children undergoing chemotherapy at Queensland Children’s Hospital. Any additional items are donated to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Community Support

The Brisbane community rallied around Myah’s cause, with support flowing in from neighbours, friends and schoolmates. The campaign has raised $28,013 AUD from 189 donations, surpassing its original $20,000 goal.

Myah continues to raise awareness and funds for young patients while transitioning into her recovery phase. The meeting in Red Hill not only celebrated the end of her treatment but also highlighted her mission to bring comfort to others facing similar challenges.

Published 1-Oct-2025

Broncos Get the W Against the Cowboys but Defense Needs Polishing

“We’ve got a little bit to work on”, says Madge “We had a little bit of sickness go through the team this week.” At half time, he said: “We spoke about the things I know we are capable of.”

Paddy Carrigan said: “We obviously started fast….a little bit disappointed defensively…….what’s going to be required to win finals games in the next few weeks is a bit more than that”.

“Reecey — over the last couple of months, his maturity around the game has changed” said Madge.

Two tries (Gehamat Shibasaki and Kotoni Staggs) in the first ten minutes as well as a Cowboys sin binning (Braidon Burns) had the Broncos off to a flyer, but conceding the next three tries to the Cowboys suggests the concentration lapsed. In the space of 2 minutes however, the Broncos delivered two more tries through Josiah Karapani and Reece Walsh just before half-time, giving the Broncos some momentum back into the half-time break.

Three more tries in the second half through Shibasaki’s second, Billy Walters and Payne Haas was enough despite conceding two more Cowboys tries in the second half.

Karapani’s 196 run metres (including 2 line breaks) with Shibasaki’s three line breaks and a sprinkling of Reece Walsh magic (5 line break assists and two try assists as well as his own 5-pointer) were major contributors to a crucial win, after the Warriors tripped up on Friday night, leaving the door wide open for a Broncos Top 4 finish.

Kotoni Staggs with 69 post contact metres proved a handful, but defensively Billy Walters and Ben Hunt didn’t have their best game, missing 11 tackles between them as well as five ineffective tackles.

Now the big finale against the Storm at Suncorp. Will the Storm be determined to win, or will their playoff preparations take priority, resting key players?

It’s a must-win for the Broncos, the Warriors will be all out to beat the Sea Eagles after their disaster against the Eels, if both the Broncos and the Warriors lose then Madge’s boys will be in the 4, but lose momentum when it counts.

A massive week of preparation before taking on the 2nd placed Storm.

Published 31-August-2025

Broncos Eye Crucial Win Against Cowboys as Finals Hopes Hinge on Round 26 Clash

Published 29-August-2025

A dominant “w” last week in Newcastle, sets the Broncos up for a huge Round 26 clash with the Cowboys tomorrow night at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

The Cowboys can only inflict damage on their Queensland rivals, as they lie 13th.

Adam Reynolds is named in the extended squad despite having re-injured his hamstring on Thursday at training, having not played since Round 23 against the Storm.

Reynolds feels he will be ready for the playoffs, though getting on the field against the Cowboys looks less likely. Madge Maguire would be very unlikely to risk Reynolds in a game the Broncos should win without him.

Brendan Piakura comes back into the interchange and Jock Madden joins the reserves along with Reynolds and Delouise Hoeter.

If the Broncos can win their last two games, including the regular season finale at home to the 2nd placed, Storm, they could still make the top 4. The Warriors currently in 4th would need to slip up tonight at home against the Eels or away to the Sea Eagles next Friday; the Broncos play the Storm next Thursday; and the Warriors play the Sea Eagles next Friday; so it may go down to the wire if the Broncos can win in Townsville.

Across the park, the Cowboys’ starting pack remains sturdy and unchanged—an indication of their coach Todd Payten’s confidence in a settled group.

The refereeing team for Saturday includes Ashley Klein at the whistle, with Drew Oultram and Chris Sutton on the touchlines, and Chris Butler as the senior review official.

Key Match Facts

The Broncos bring a five-game winning streak against the Cowboys into this clash.
Cowboys second-rower Jeremiah Nanai has been a thorn in Brisbane’s side, scoring six tries in his last six outings against them.
The in-form Kotoni Staggs continues to pose a serious threat—he’s crossed for five tries across his last four matches.
For North Queensland, this game marks a personal milestone for lock Reuben Cotter, as he prepares to notch up his 100th NRL appearance.

Stats & Matchups to Watch

Head-to-head dominance: Brisbane has won each of the last five encounters against North Queensland, including a 26–16 victory in Round 3 this season at Suncorp Stadium. The Broncos have had the edge in recent Queensland derbies, with strong second-half efforts proving decisive.
Strike players: Kotoni Staggs (Broncos) is in top attacking form, crossing for five tries in his last four matches. His strength and acceleration on the right edge continue to trouble defensive lines. Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys) has a proven ability to find the line against Brisbane, having scored six tries in his last six games against the Broncos. His timing off short balls and aerial threat make him a key danger man.
Middle-third battle: The engine room will be vital, with Payne Haas averaging 67.5 post-contact metres per game and ranking among the NRL’s leaders in dominant carries. Teammate Patrick Carrigan has amassed over 3,300 running metres this season, making him one of the most consistent metre-eaters in the comp. They’ll face a determined Cowboys pack led by Jason Taumalolo and Reuben Cotter, whose 100th game brings added motivation.
Halves and control: With Adam Reynolds still named in the reserves as he recovers from a hamstring injury, the playmaking duties may again fall to Ezra Mam and Billy Walters. Their ability to guide the team around the park, especially under pressure, could be tested in a hostile Townsville environment.
Milestone moment: Reuben Cotter will notch up his 100th NRL game in front of a home crowd—a major achievement for the hard-working lock and a potential emotional lift for the Cowboys in their final home game of the season.

Expect a gritty, physical battle where momentum could swing early depending on composure and execution. If Brisbane’s seasoned campaigners impose pressure early, they’ll likely navigate Reynolds’ absence. But if Nanai and the Cowboys can unsettle the Broncos pack, it might get tight before halftime.

Kick-off is at 7:35pm AEST on Saturday, 30 August. The match will be broadcast live on Fox League and Kayo Sports.