Broncos Legends Meet Young Cancer Battler in Red Hill

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.

Myah McGuigan
Photo Credit: GoFundMe

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.

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.

PlayerInjury Duration
Adam Reynolds4 weeks
Selwyn Cobbo6 weeks
Ezra Mam6 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)

OpponentVenueDate
DolphinsHomeAug 16
KnightsAwayAug 24
CowboysAwayAug 30
StormHomeSept 4

PANTHERS FIXTURE LIST (currently 4th on 31 points)

OpponentVenueDate
StormHomeAug 14
RaidersHomeAug 22
BulldogsAwayAug 28
DragonsAwaySept 6

WARRIORS FIXTURE LIST (currently 5th on 30 points)

OpponentVenueDate
DragonsHomeAug 15
TitansAwayAug 23
EelsHomeAug 29
Sea EaglesAwaySept 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

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)BroncosBulldogs
Possession58 %42 %
Line Breaks62
Missed Tackles2431
Errors59

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

PETA Urges Broncos at Red Hill to Retire Live Mascot Buck

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

Broncos
Photo Credit: PETA Australia

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

Broncos
Photo Credit: Brisbane Broncos

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

Broncos
Photo Credit: Brisbane Broncos

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

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

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.

Photo Credit: GIO Stadium Canberra

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.

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