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Red Hill Injuries and Ambitions – Where can the Broncos Aim to Finish the Regular Season?

THE STORM INJURY DISASTER – The loss on Thursday in Melbourne to the Storm came with some disastrous injuries for an end of season push to the playoffs.

Player	Injury Duration

Adam Reynolds

4 weeks

Selwyn Cobbo

6 weeks

Ezra Mam

6 weeks

The loss three weeks ago to the Eels is also still a major scar on their post-season opportunity.

What are the Broncos realistic ambitions this season?

The Broncos currently sit 6th. The Bulldogs in 3rd have eight more points than the Broncos but the Panthers in 4th have only three more points than the Broncos. The Warriors in 5th having two more than the Broncos.

The Sharks in 7th (played one game more than other teams in the hunt) have 28 points, like the Broncos. The Dolphins have 26 points in 8th, as do the Roosters in 9th.

BRONCOS FIXTURE LIST (currently 6th on 28 points)

Opponent	Venue	Date

Dolphins

Home

Aug 16

Knights

Away

Aug 24

Cowboys

Away

Aug 30

Storm

Home

Sept 4

PANTHERS FIXTURE LIST (currently 4th on 31 points)

Opponent	Venue	Date

Storm

Home

Aug 14

Raiders

Home

Aug 22

Bulldogs

Away

Aug 28

Dragons

Away

Sept 6

WARRIORS FIXTURE LIST (currently 5th on 30 points)

Opponent	Venue	Date

Dragons

Home

Aug 15

Titans

Away

Aug 23

Eels

Home

Aug 29

Sea Eagles

Away

Sept 5

So the Panthers have as tough a run-in as you can get. They host the Storm (currently 2nd), then the Raiders (currently top), then visit the Bulldogs (currently 3rd), and then end the regular season with a visit to the Dragons.

So, despite their nine-match winning streak, they will be tested, and maybe they will win between two and four of those games.

The Warriors have a much easier run-in, and maybe only the Sea Eagles will be a challenge.

The two-point advantage that the Kiwis carry could be crucial, but despite the roller-coaster season, the Broncos can see a chink of light in the top four. Can they start the run-in with a win at Suncorp on Saturday?

Top 4 offers two bites at the cherry

Don’t forget the Top 4 each get two bites at the cherry. Fourth place will play 1st in the first qualifying final, while 2nd play 3rd in the other. Meanwhile, places 5th to 8th only get to play off in elimination finals; meaning the loser of
each of 5th vs 8th and 6th vs 7th, is eliminated.

The two top 4 qualifying final losers then play the winners of the two elimination finals, feeding into the Preliminary Finals and the Grand Final!

Can the Broncos start the run-in with a win at Suncorp on Saturday?

Published 12-Aug-2025

Red Hill Resilience: Broncos Rally from 18 Down in Round 18 Thriller

Photo Credit: Screencap from Broncos highlights video

A never-say-die Broncos, missing several stars but led by Ezra Mam and Billy Walters, and inspired by a huge team effort in the last 20 minutes, turned an 18–0 nightmare into a 22–18 dream.

How the turnaround happened

For the first hour the Bulldogs owned the contest. Early tries to Marcelo Montoya and Matt Burton, followed by a powerhouse charge from Viliame Kikau, had Cameron Ciraldo’s men cruising at 18-0. The Broncos looked flat without Origin stars Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan and Reece Walsh, and a spilled bomb from Cobbo summed up a clunky opening.

Everything changed in the 63rd minute when halfback Adam Reynolds varied his kicking angles and Ezra Mam began attacking Canterbury’s outside shoulders. Rookie winger Josiah Karapani finished a sweeping left-edge raid to light the fuse, and five minutes later Delouise Hoeter slid over on the opposite flank. Reynolds missed the kick (his only miss of the night) leaving the Broncos two scores away, and when Billy Walters ducked out of dummy-half to score beside the posts the scores were locked with ten to play.

The decider came soon after: Kotoni Staggs punched through weary middle defenders, Mam straightened the line and Piakura – cleared of a head-knock moments earlier – thundered over. Reynolds slotted the extras and, despite a last-gasp Burton bomb, Brisbane’s line held firm.

Round 18 heroes in maroon and gold

Photo Credit: Screencap from Broncos highlight video

Ezra Mam – three try assists and two line-break involvements in that whirlwind comeback.
Adam Reynolds – 3/4 conversions, 386 kicking metres and the composure that sparked the revival.
Selwyn Cobbo – recovered from an early error to notch 208 running metres and two tackle-breaks at fullback.
Brendan Piakura – match-winning try, 33 tackles and relentless line speed on the right edge.

Team Stats

Team Stat (2nd half)	Broncos	Bulldogs
Possession	58 %	42 %
Line Breaks	6	2
Missed Tackles	24	31
Errors	5	9

What the result means

The triumph lifts Brisbane to an 11–6 record and keeps them within arm’s reach of the top four as the Origin period draws to a close. Most importantly for Maguire, the manner of victory underlines a newfound resilience that was missing during last season’s slide. “Belief never wavered,” he said post-match, crediting a patched-up forward pack led by Xavier Willison and Tyson Smoothy.

For the Bulldogs, the loss stings. Ciraldo’s side had won four of their past five and sat on the edge of the top two; leaking 22 unanswered points in 17 minutes will raise familiar questions about late-game management.

Next in the diary

The Broncos return to Suncorp Stadium on Friday night to face old rivals Melbourne, with Haas, Carrigan and Walsh all expected back in maroon and gold. The Bulldogs travel to Newcastle on Sunday searching for an 80-minute response against the Knights.

Published 5-July-2025

Brisbane Broncos Submits New Logo Design for Major Rebrand

Photo Credit: The Rugby League Report

The Brisbane Broncos have taken the first major step in a bold rebrand by submitting a fresh new logo design, the Red Hill club’s first in 25 years. The new look, still under review by IP Australia, marks a big shift for one of Queensland’s most recognisable sporting clubs.

A Modern Image From A Traditional Home

The Broncos’ Red Hill base remains central to the club’s identity as it moves to modernise its image. A new logo, submitted in black and white for trademark approval, shows a simplified horse head within a shield.

Photo Credit: Fox League/Facebook

While colour isn’t confirmed, it’s expected to feature the traditional maroon, gold and white. The club hasn’t said if it will appear on next season’s jerseys, with the trademark still under review. The shift reflects a wider trend in sport toward clean, modern visuals that appeal to younger fans.

Inspired By Local Identity

A stripe through the horse’s head has caught fans’ attention, with some saying it mirrors the shape of the Brisbane River. The club hasn’t confirmed it, but the idea suggests a strong local link in the design. As a team founded in 1988, the Broncos have room to refresh their image without clashing with deep-rooted tradition.

Photo Credit: BroncosHQ/Facebook

Their Red Hill home, the Clive Berghofer Centre, is where day-to-day operations and community work are run. Any branding shift is likely to grow from this base, keeping the club’s identity tied to its Brisbane roots.

Recent Moves Show Broader Refresh

Earlier this season, the Broncos released a black jersey for the NRL’s Mental Health Round. Created in partnership with the Black Dog Institute, the jersey gained strong support from fans. It marked a creative and social step forward for the club and may have paved the way for this broader rebrand.

Photo Credit: rebel sport/Facebook

While that jersey was temporary, the new logo, once approved, could stay with the club for decades. Together, these updates suggest the Broncos are serious about presenting a fresh face to both local fans and a wider audience.

Debate Over Live Mascot Continues

The rebrand has sparked fresh calls to retire the Broncos’ live horse mascot, Buck. Animal group PETA urged the club to stop using the horse and proposed renaming the team the Brisbane Boomerangs to honour Indigenous culture.

The Broncos have rejected the idea, saying Buck is well cared for and still loved by fans. There are no plans to remove the mascot or change the club’s name. For now, attention remains on the new logo and how it will shape the club’s next chapter.

Published 13-June-2025

PETA Urges Broncos at Red Hill to Retire Live Mascot Buck

Photo Credit: Brisbane Broncos

An animal rights organisation has launched a campaign directed at the Brisbane Broncos, urging the team to retire Buck their live horse mascot, and asking the team to reconsider the team name due to concerns about animal welfare and what some perceive to be the glorification of rodeo practices.

PETA’s Concerns and Proposed Changes

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia-Pacific Campaign Manager, Abigail Forsyth, stated that using live animals at sporting events is inappropriate, describing the experience for a horse like Buck in a stadium filled with bright lights, loud noises, and cheering fans as terrifying and distressing.

The organisation has directly appealed to the Broncos, suggesting that while retiring Buck is their primary request, the team should also consider the implications of their name and imagery, arguing that it promotes rodeos, an industry they believe is built on animal fear and pain.

Furthermore, PETA has proposed that the Brisbane Broncos adopt a new name that does not involve animal cruelty, suggesting “Brisbane Boomerangs” as a potential alternative. This name would meaningfully acknowledge the club’s history of fostering Indigenous talent and its commitment to equality.

PETA representatives, including Vice-President Mimi Bekhechi, have echoed this sentiment, suggesting that other sporting teams have already embraced the Boomerangs moniker and would present a more progressive image for the NRL club. They even offered a new logo design to support this potential rebranding.

Broncos’ Response and Community Sentiments

The Brisbane Broncos have publicly responded to PETA’s campaign, firmly stating they have no plans to retire Buck. The club emphasised that Buck is an iconic, much-loved, and well-cared-for member of the Broncos family, a tradition that has existed for a significant period.

They assured the community that their game-day staff consistently work with Buck’s rider and the stadium management to ensure the highest level of safety for both the horse and the fans attending matches at Suncorp Stadium.

The PETA suggestion has also drawn a reaction from within the Broncos community. Club legend Chris Johns dismissed the idea as “the most ridiculous suggestion of all time.” Current Broncos forward Payne Haas also supported Buck, reassuring fans that the mascot is “safe” and “with us.”

This indicates a strong connection and affection for Buck within the team and its supporter base. Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy confirmed that while he had not received direct correspondence from PETA, the club’s position on Buck’s future remains unchanged.

Rodeo Imagery and Animal Welfare Arguments

A key aspect of PETA’s campaign is its criticism of the Broncos’ “bucking bronco” imagery, which it argues glorifies rodeos. It describes rodeos as one of Queensland’s cruellest and most backward undertakings, detailing the use of spurs, electric prods, and ropes to provoke a fight-or-flight response in animals for entertainment.

PETA also highlighted the risks to young calves in roping events, where they can suffer serious injury or death. They contend that these animals are unwilling participants in such spectacles.

In contrast, PETA suggests that a human mascot in a costume could fulfil the role without any ethical concerns. They pointed out that a person inside a costume can consent to performing in front of crowds and does not require the extensive care and consideration needed for a live animal. PETA believes that removing the live Buck from the field would be the best ethical decision the Broncos could make.

Despite PETA’s strong stance, the Brisbane Broncos appear resolute in keeping their current mascot and team name. Buck the horse is expected to continue his role at future games.

The debate, however, raises important questions within the community about the ethics of using live animals for entertainment and the broader implications of sports team branding.

Published Date 16-May-2025

Ezra Mam Back as Broncos Need to Bounce Back from Being Latrelled

OK, so let’s address the elephant in the room. It’s Origin time, and 12 months ago, Madge Maguire pulled off an unexpected turnaround for the Blues with a series decider at Suncorp. Madge is 1 from 1 in Origin and has made way for Laurie Daly, maintaining the perfect record.

Now the Broncos season has got a bit rocky of late. Madge is under pressure. The new discipline which had the Broncos off to the races until a few weeks ago has given way to giving up good leads and, frankly, not looking as consistently dangerous in attack.

The game stats against the Rabbits look great on the surface. The Broncos, having 9 line breaks and 29 tackle breaks, but most of that was the first half where they dominated.

The crime last week was letting the Rabbits back into the game and not scoring in the second half. Getting Latrelled was an uncontrollable.

Is this a temporary blip or a virus slowly spreading at Red Hill?

The Dragons will be a good litmus test for whether the Broncos are genuine contenders this year. Losing their nailbiter to the Warriors last week suggests that they are competitive. Warriors are now 2nd on the ladder though the Dragons in 13th spot makes this a must win for the Broncos.

Ezra Mam returns to the Broncos side, a forced early recall to replace Ben Hunt, who’s hamstring injury rules him out at a crucial time for the Broncos. The former Ambrose Treacy College student has been slaughtered on social media for his off-the-field troubles but the Suncorp faithful will forgive everything if he can deliver on Sunday afternoon.

Xavier Willison will start. His tackle breaks are becoming valuable. Now, he just needs to learn how to offload like Kitione Kautoga of the Eels (what an offload to Inongi against the Dolphins for Dylan Brown’s try last week!).

Toby Couchman is replaced by Jack de Belin in the Dragons starting side. Blake Lawrie comes into the Interchange.

The game at Suncorp on Sunday, 18 May, kicks off at 2:00 p.m. If you can’t get there Kayo and Foxtel will broadcast the game live.

From the Tarmac to the Try Line: Michael Godfrey’s Second Act Begins with Broncos

Photo Credit: Broncos

Michael Godfrey knew structure. For 20 years, it shaped every part of his life—early mornings, logistics briefs, team movements. In the Royal Australian Air Force, predictability was power. But standing just off the field at Brisbane Broncos headquarters in Red Hill, a place more familiar with tries than timetables, Michael was ready to trade military command for community connection.

He didn’t plan to end up here. After finishing his service, Michael started looking for work. Something steady. Something meaningful. That’s when a job ad led him to the Brisbane Broncos website—and eventually, to the Brisbane Broncos Sport Business Institute (BBSBI), tucked inside the club’s Red Hill base.

The program, delivered through a partnership with TAFE Queensland, promised something different: a chance to study sport and leadership, not from the stands, but right in the centre of the action.

It wasn’t an easy switch. In the military, leadership meant giving orders and seeing them followed without question. In civilian life—and especially in sport—it meant listening, persuading, learning to inspire. Michael admits that adjusting his approach has taken work. But he also sees the power in it. Through the BBSBI’s Diploma of Sport and Diploma of Leadership and Management, he’s picked up more than theory. He’s gaining insight into how to lead with empathy, how to build up a team that doesn’t answer to rank, and how to foster trust in people who are there because they want to be, not because they have to be.

In class, Michael found himself the oldest student, something that made him hesitate at first. But he didn’t stay hesitant for long. The room was full of people with different stories, from school-leavers to mid-career changers, and soon enough, Michael became a quiet mentor.

He shared what he’d learned over decades: how to stay focused, how to work through challenges, and how to lead without needing to shout. The teachers—Graham Leeson, Grant Dwyer, and Expo Mejia—also brought real-world experience that grounded everything they taught.

Red Hill has become more than a study spot for Michael. It’s become a launchpad. The hands-on experience he’s received at the BBSBI led him into real-world work with the NRL’s Mini League program, helping young kids and their parents shake off nerves before taking the field at Suncorp Stadium on Broncos game days. He’s been using those same leadership tools to grow two community rugby organisations: the Philippines National Rugby League (Australia chapter), where he serves as president, and the Asia Rugby League Development, a non-profit aiming to expand the sport across the region.

Michael Godfrey Brisbane Lions — *Photo Credit: TAFE*

Where once he moved troops and supplies, now he moves people forward, giving young players and volunteers the tools to succeed in sport and in life. And just like in defence, he knows success isn’t always flashy. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet progress of helping someone else stand a little taller.

His goal is simple: to build something that lasts. A career in sport, yes—but more than that, a role where he can develop people, support communities, and keep rugby league growing in places where it hasn’t always had a strong voice.

And in Red Hill, surrounded by the rhythms of the game and the people who love it, Michael Godfrey is just getting started.

Published 25-April-2025

Broncos Resume Training At Red Hill Base After Cyclone Alfred

Photo Credit: Hutchinson Builders

The Brisbane Broncos have returned to training at their Red Hill headquarters following Cyclone Alfred, with the facility emerging largely unscathed despite the severe weather that impacted Brisbane over the weekend.

The club’s training centre didn’t sustain any significant damage from the cyclonic conditions, allowing players to report for Monday morning’s scheduled gymnasium session. The team was also able to conduct their planned field session Monday afternoon.

This quick return to normal operations at Red Hill comes as the Broncos prepare for Saturday night’s clash with the Canberra Raiders. The team’s travel arrangements remain unchanged, with the squad set to fly to Canberra on Friday as originally scheduled.

The relatively minor impact on the Red Hill facilities stands in contrast to the wider flooding and wind damage experienced across Brisbane and surrounding areas during the cyclone. Several Broncos players, including captain Adam Reynolds and fullback Reece Walsh, experienced power outages at their homes, with Walsh resorting to a generator at his rural property south of the city.

The team had returned to Brisbane in the early hours of Friday morning after their 50-14 victory over the Sydney Roosters, taking a charter flight to Toowoomba followed by a bus to Brisbane as the cyclone approached.

With their Red Hill base operational, the Broncos can maintain their preparation routine following their impressive performance against the Roosters, where props Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas earned five Dally M points each and Reynolds received two points for his game management alongside halves partner Ben Hunt.

Published 10-March-2025

Red Hill Awaits as Kotoni Staggs Nears Broncos Contract Extension

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.

Kotoni Staggs — *Photo Credit: HeySWYSH*

What This Means for Selwyn Cobbo

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.

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Red Hill Fans Await Official Word

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.

Published 12-February-2025

Broncos Champion Local Causes with Charity Partnerships and Strapping and Education Night

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.

Read: Musgrave Road in Red Hill to See Clearway Extensions Under New Plans

2025 Strapping and Education Night

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.

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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.

Read: Shocking Road Rage Confrontation in Auchenflower Goes Viral

A Club Rooted in Community

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.

Published 07-February-2025

Brisbane Broncos Secure Future Star in Baxter Best

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.

Read: Le Coin Bistro: A Taste of France in Red Hill

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.

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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.

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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.

Read: Broncos’ Cultural Overhaul: Ben Hunt Shares Insights on Maguire’s Tough Pre-Season

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.

Published 30-January-2025