The Brisbane Broncos Sport Business Institute, delivered in partnership with TAFE Queensland from the Clive Berghofer Centre on Fulcher Road in Red Hill, has celebrated its 150th graduate, marking a significant milestone for a program that has quickly established itself as one of Australia’s most distinctive sport industry education pathways.
Launched in 2023 as Queensland’s first accredited education program embedding work-integrated learning across an entire professional sporting organisation, the institute has grown steadily across three years of operation. The 150th graduate milestone reflects consistent demand from students seeking a credentialled, practical pathway into the sport and entertainment industry, delivered not from a conventional classroom but from within the operational structure of one of the NRL’s most recognised clubs.
What the Program Offers
The Brisbane Broncos Sport Business Institute delivers a dual qualification across one year of full-time study, combining a Diploma of Sport and a Diploma of Leadership and Management. Students gain a nationally recognised credential spanning both sport-specific competencies and broad business management skills, with the dual-diploma structure designed to open doors across the sport industry and beyond.
The program’s most distinctive feature is its 100 hours of work-integrated learning placed directly across Brisbane Broncos departments, spanning areas including membership, game development, fan engagement, community partnerships and events. Students work alongside Broncos staff on live projects and real operational deliverables, building industry networks and practical skills simultaneously.
Brisbane Broncos staff and players also support TAFE Queensland educators in content delivery, giving students direct exposure to how an elite NRL club operates across its commercial, football and community functions.
The curriculum spans emotional intelligence, critical thinking, workplace relationships, team effectiveness, business risk management, project management and anti-doping and integrity, equipping graduates with a well-rounded professional foundation relevant to a wide range of sport industry roles.
From Student to Staff: A Proven Pathway
The institute’s strongest evidence of impact lies in its graduate outcomes. The program guarantees a minimum of two graduate roles at the Brisbane Broncos for students completing each intake, providing a direct employment pathway that most educational programs cannot match. Students who complete their 100 hours of work-integrated learning may also be considered for casual roles at the club during the course.
The graduate journey of 2024 alumna Abby Mills illustrates the pathway clearly. Mills completed placements in community partnerships and events during her time in the program, working across landmark club moments including the Presentation Ball and the NRLW Launch.
After graduating, she transitioned into a project coordinator role at the club, contributing to the Broncos’ major brand refresh. Her experience reflects the institute’s intent: to create a pipeline from enrolled student to employed professional within the Broncos organisation and the broader sport industry.
For graduates who pursue opportunities outside the club, the dual-diploma qualification carries articulation pathways into a range of undergraduate degrees across Queensland universities, providing a bridge from the vocational sector into higher education for those who choose to continue their studies.
The model, embedding accredited vocational education inside professional sporting environments, has proven a compelling alternative to traditional business or sport management degrees for students who want immediate practical immersion rather than theoretical preparation.
For Paddington, Red Hill and the inner-western suburbs, the presence of a nationally recognised sport business education program operating from the Clive Berghofer Centre adds another dimension to a sporting precinct already central to Brisbane’s rugby league identity.
The institute draws students from across Brisbane and South East Queensland, many of whom spend their study year engaging daily with one of the city’s most iconic organisations from a campus that most residents associate purely with game days.
How to Apply
The Brisbane Broncos Sport Business Institute runs three cohorts in 2026, with two having commenced in January and a final intake opening in April. Applications for the April intake are currently open through TAFE Queensland. Prospective students can register their interest, attend an information session or book a one-on-one program call through brisbanebroncossbi.com.au, or contact the team directly at study@broncos.com.au.
For long stretches, this felt like a Dolphins game. They had the ball. They had the metres. They had the momentum.
In front of 45,882 people, the biggest NRL crowd of the year, the Brisbane Broncos absorbed pressure, capitalised on key moments, and punished every Dolphins lapse to walk away 26–12 winners.
The Broncos won the Battle of Brisbane. Not because they had more of the game — but because they made more of it.
They finished with 53 per cent possession, 211 runs to Brisbane’s 186, and a dominant offload count of 26 to five. They broke more tackles, generated more second-phase play, and had three players run for more metres than any Bronco — Jake Averillo (238m), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (222m) and Jamayne Isaako (196m).
That profile usually wins you games. On Friday night, it didn’t.
The Dolphins didn’t lack effort. They lacked conversion.
Thirteen errors killed momentum, often at the exact point pressure was building. Two first-half tries were wiped out — one for obstruction, one for a forward pass — turning early dominance into frustration.
This is where the game slipped.
The Dolphins were generating pressure but not cashing it in. The Broncos, by contrast, needed fewer chances — and took them.
That’s the entire difference.
Moments That Broke It Open
The shift came immediately after halftime.
First set. Drop from Francis Molo.
Within a minute, the Broncos had struck.
A broken defensive line, a sharp offload, and Reece Walsh was through — a moment of individual brilliance that cut through 40 minutes of Dolphins control. Walsh finished with 182 metres and 11 tackle breaks, repeatedly turning half-chances into genuine threats.
The Dolphins had been building.
The Broncos finished.
Then came the moment that ended it.
Down 16–12 and still in the contest, the Dolphins were defending a high bomb inside their own end. Jamayne Isaako and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow both hesitated.
No call. No catch.
They let it bounce.
At this level, that’s fatal. The Broncos pounced, scored, and the game was effectively over.
High Risk, High Cost
The Dolphins’ attacking identity is clear.
They move the ball. They offload. They play fast and look to break games open through second-phase play.
It worked — to a point.
Those 26 offloads created pressure, but they also fed the error count. At times it felt less like controlled expansion and more like urgency spilling into chaos.
Selwyn Cobbo’s night captured that perfectly.
He ran hard for 181 metres and was heavily involved, but three key errors — including a dropped bomb near his own line and a forced offload under pressure — turned momentum back toward Brisbane at critical moments.
The intent was there.
The execution wasn’t.
Broncos Played the Right Game
The Broncos didn’t need to win the stat sheet.
They won the parts that matter.
Their middle held firm defensively, with Cory Paix and Patrick Carrigan combining for 52 tackles each, repeatedly absorbing pressure and resetting the line.
They were cleaner with the ball. More composed in key moments. More decisive when opportunities appeared.
That’s why the scoreboard reads 26–12.
Not dominance.
Control when it counted.
Reality Bites
This is the frustrating reality for the Dolphins.
They showed enough to suggest they can trouble anyone — their yardage, their offload game, their ability to generate pressure.
But right now, they are asking questions without finishing the answer.
The gap isn’t effort.
It’s timing. It’s composure. It’s execution in the moments that matter most.
Because in games like this, you don’t get rewarded for how much football you play.
Only for what you do with it.
Published 27-March-2026
PRE-MATCH REPORT
Battle of Brisbane: Broncos Tested as Dolphins Circle
The Broncos have controlled this rivalry from the start, holding a 5–1 record since 2023.
But the one result that still cuts through is the Dolphins’ 40–6 win in 2024.
That’s the tension heading into Friday night. One side owns the history. The other has already shown exactly how to break it.
Kick-off is set for Friday, 27 March at 7:00PM AEST at Suncorp Stadium, with live coverage on Fox League and streaming available via Kayo Sports. The match is also listed for free-to-air broadcast on Channel 9 and 9Now.
The 5–1 Record — and the One Result That Changed the Tone
On paper, this rivalry has been one-sided.
Across those five wins, Brisbane controlled the key areas — ruck speed, field position and defensive discipline. They dictated tempo, limited second-phase play and closed games out when it mattered.
That’s the standard they’ve set in this match-up.
The question now is whether they can reproduce it under different conditions — without Haas, with changes through the middle, and against a Dolphins side that has already shown it can disrupt that control.
Team Changes (Key Ins and Outs)
This time, the changes matter. Brisbane have been forced into key adjustments ahead of the derby — none bigger than the loss of Payne Haas.
His absence reshapes the Broncos’ middle rotation, with Xavier Willison stepping into the starting front row and Brendan Piakura shifting into the back row. Adam Reynolds returns and brings control back into the spine, while Ben Hunt’s role adjusts to provide added flexibility around the ruck.
For the Dolphins, the focus is on reinforcing the middle without disrupting what’s already working.
Kenny Bromwich returns to the bench to add experience to the rotation, while Mark Nicholls is promoted into the starting side. Otherwise, the squad remains largely unchanged — giving them continuity heading into a high-pressure contest.
3 Things to Watch
1. Can Brisbane Win the Middle Without Haas?This is the game inside the game. Without Payne Haas, Brisbane lose their safest source of momentum. With Bromwich back and Nicholls starting, the Dolphins have reinforced their middle — and if they generate quick play-the-balls early, it puts immediate pressure on Brisbane’s defensive system.
2. Who Dictates the Tempo — and Handles the Stakes?Adam Reynolds will try to control territory and slow the game down. The Dolphins will look to speed it up and play through the ruck. With both sides under real ladder pressure, this isn’t just about style — it’s about who executes better in key moments.
3. The Edges: Averillo vs StaggsThis could be where the game turns. Averillo’s speed and support play shapes against Staggs’ power and tackle-breaking ability in one of the key match-ups on the field — and in a tight contest, one moment here could be enough.
The Haas Void vs the Reynolds Return
This is where the game tilts.
Payne Haas being ruled out removes Brisbane’s most reliable source of momentum. His value isn’t just metres. Ot’s repeat effort, ruck speed, and the ability to stabilise sets when things start to drift.
Without him, the structure holds, but the margin for error tightens. For Brisbane, it’s a test not just of depth, but of how much pressure this system can absorb at once.
Xavier Willison moves into the starting front row, with Brendan Piakura shifting into the back row. It’s a capable adjustment, but it changes the physical balance of Brisbane’s middle rotation.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, have leaned into experience through their rotation, with Kenny Bromwich returning to the bench and Mark Nicholls promoted into the starting side — adding stability through the middle.
The counter for Brisbane is Adam Reynolds.
His return brings control back into the spine. Last-tackle options sharpen, field position becomes more deliberate, and defensive organisation improves across the line.
It also changes Ben Hunt’s role.
Instead of carrying the side as the primary organiser, Hunt becomes a roaming threat — either through dummy-half or off the bench. That flexibility gives Brisbane a second layer of control when the game starts to open up.
The Defensive Question: Life After Te’o
The bigger concern for Brisbane sits in their system.
Ben Te’o’s exit matters because of what he built. The Broncos’ defence over the past year hasn’t just been effective — it’s been resilient under pressure. Their ability to scramble, reset and hold firm in key moments was a defining feature of their premiership run.
That doesn’t disappear overnight. But it does get tested.
Last week showed they can still execute it. Doing it again in a derby, without the coach who embedded those habits, is a different challenge.
If the Dolphins can generate quick rucks and force repeat defensive sets, this becomes less about structure and more about trust — and whether that system still holds without its architect.
The Ex-Bronco Factor: Familiarity Cuts Both Ways
There’s no hiding the emotional layer in this one.
Seven Dolphins players have come through Brisbane’s system — Isaako, Cobbo, Farnworth, Nikorima, Flegler, Molo and Plath. That brings familiarity with systems, combinations and tendencies.
But more than that, it brings intent.
Flegler’s likely inclusion adds weight to that. If cleared, it’s his first crack at a derby after missing previous chances through injury. Molo’s return adds another experienced body to that rotation.
Then there’s Kodi Nikorima.
This is the most settled version of his game. He’s playing direct, picking moments, and controlling tempo without overplaying his hand. Against a side he knows well, that becomes even more valuable.
He doesn’t need to dominate the game — just steer it into the right spaces.
Early Exchanges Will Matter
This shapes as a contest through the middle first, edges second.
If Brisbane can hold ruck speed and limit second-phase play, Reynolds’ kicking game and Hunt’s flexibility should give them control.
If the Dolphins win that middle battle — through quick play-the-balls, line speed and pressure — the game shifts quickly. That’s when their outside backs become dangerous, and when Brisbane’s defensive cohesion gets tested.
The early exchanges matter. This is not a game that will wait to settle.
The edges could also prove decisive.
Jake Averillo’s speed and support play shapes as a direct contrast to Kotoni Staggs’ power and tackle-breaking ability — and in a tight contest, one moment in that channel could swing the result.
Grudge Match?
Is this a grudge match? Here’s what’s actually at stake.
For Brisbane, this is about stability.
Backing up last week’s win, absorbing the loss of Haas, and showing the defensive system still holds under pressure.
For the Dolphins, it’s about staying in the fight.
With the ladder tightening and the race for finals positions already congested, every result carries weight. A win here doesn’t just even the season ledger — it keeps them firmly in the mix and applies pressure above them.
They’ve already shown they can beat Brisbane. Now they need to show they can do it when it matters.
Friday night won’t just decide the result.
It will say a lot about where both teams are heading.
Published 25-March-2026
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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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In a testament to persistence and determination, Brisbane Broncos’ forgotten man Cory Paix stands on the verge of a remarkable NRL return after being sidelined from the game for 526 days. The hooker, previously told he could leave the club under former coach Kevin Walters, has impressed new mentor Michael Maguire with his work ethic and resilience during pre-season training.
Despite a minor lower leg niggle keeping him from the trial against the Titans, Paix remains firmly in contention for the season opener against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium on 6 March. For the Toowoomba product, the opportunity to potentially play in front of his home crowd in the upcoming pre-season clash holds special significance.
Rather than accepting offers from two interested Sydney clubs, Paix chose the harder path. “The easy option would have been for me to leave, but being stubborn, I’ve dug my heels in and given it a red-hot crack,” Paix revealed. “It’s easy for people to whinge and kick stones, but it’s not in my nature to do that.”
New Coach, New Opportunities for Cory Paix
Maguire’s arrival has breathed fresh life into Paix’s career. The new coach’s emphasis on work ethic and leadership qualities aligns perfectly with Paix’s approach to the game. “It’s a clean start for everyone. Madge is demanding hard work and that suits my style,” Paix explained.
Drawing from his successful tenure at South Sydney, where he managed a talented hooking rotation including Issac Luke and Api Koroisau, Maguire sees value in maintaining strong competition for the number nine jersey. “If you have a quality group of hookers, it really helps your team,” Maguire stated.
Competition Intensifies
The battle for the dummy-half role has become increasingly intriguing with young gun Blake Mozer’s recent shoulder injury ruling him out of round one. While Billy Walters finished 2024 as the first-choice hooker, the arrival of marquee signing Ben Hunt adds another dimension to the selection puzzle.
Despite a minor lower leg niggle keeping him from the trial against the Titans, Paix remains firmly in contention for the season opener against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium on 6 March. For the Toowoomba product, the opportunity to potentially play in front of his home crowd in the upcoming pre-season clash holds special significance.
As the 2025 season approaches, Paix’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes the greatest victories come not from taking the easy path, but from staying the course through adversity. “No-one is guaranteed a spot here,” Paix acknowledged. “I will keep chipping away.”
In a groundbreaking move that signals a new era for rugby league development in Queensland, the Brisbane Broncos will join forces with their state rivals to create an innovative youth competition designed to bridge a crucial gap in player pathways.
This historic collaboration between the Brisbane Broncos, The Dolphins, North Queensland Cowboys, and Gold Coast Titans will establish a nine-week development league for emerging talent, paving the way for the highly anticipated return of the National Youth Competition (NYC) in 2026.
For Broncos faithful, this initiative strengthens the club’s future talent pipeline by providing young prospects with high-quality matches against their peers from Queensland’s other rugby league clubs. It addresses a longstanding disadvantage compared to Sydney-based teams, which have benefited from more established youth competitions.
Building Tomorrow’s Broncos
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy, leveraging his experience from the Melbourne Storm during the previous NYC era, has thrown his support behind the concept while emphasising the importance of a measured approach.
“It’s really important as a Queensland-based club that there needs to be parity with our competitors,” Donaghy said, highlighting the strategic significance of the development league for the Broncos’ future success.
The competition structure will see Brisbane’s young guns face each rival team twice in a round-robin format, with discussions underway about potentially staging these matches as curtain-raisers to NRL fixtures at Suncorp Stadium.
Pathway to the Big League
The timing of this Queensland development series is ideal for the Broncos, as it aligns with the NRL’s broader vision for youth development. The competition will commence after the conclusion of the Mal Meninga Cup in May, ensuring a seamless transition for promising players who may not yet be ready for Queensland Cup football.
For Brisbane’s loyal fanbase, this means more opportunities to witness the club’s future stars in action as they take crucial steps towards professional careers. The competition will serve as a vital stepping stone for young players aspiring to follow in the footsteps of current Broncos stars like Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, and Ben Hunt, all of whom emerged from the original NYC system.
Looking Ahead to 2026
This Queensland development league is just the beginning of a broader transformation in rugby league’s youth pathways. With the NRL investigating the revival of a national under-21s competition in 2026, the Broncos are positioning themselves at the forefront of youth development in Queensland.
The new competition structure directly addresses the historical challenges that have placed Queensland clubs at a disadvantage compared to their New South Wales counterparts, who have long benefited from the established Jersey Flegg Cup. By taking proactive steps now, the Broncos will be well-prepared when the national competition returns.
QRL boss Ben Ikin, who chairs the Pathways Steering Committee, has pledged full support for the initiative, ensuring the competition will have access to quality match officials and venues. This backing from Queensland’s governing body reinforces the credibility of what promises to be a major development in the Broncos’ youth pathway system.
The Brisbane Broncos are once again opening their doors to the community, offering a unique opportunity for sports trainers and strappers to hone their skills. On Tuesday, 18 February at 6:00 pm, the club will host its annual Strapping and Education Night at the iconic Red Hill training facility.
Proudly supported by Elastoplast and the Broncos’ Hostplus Cup affiliates—the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and Souths Logan Magpies—this free event promises to be an invaluable learning experience for participants of all skill levels.
Strapping is a critical skill in sports medicine, helping to prevent injuries and support athletes during recovery. Led by Matt Barradeen, a key member of the Broncos’ medical staff, the evening will focus on best practices in strapping and sports training. Whether attendees are seasoned professionals or newcomers to the field, the session aims to provide practical knowledge that can be applied across various levels of sport.
Broncos Launch Charity Partners Program with Record-Breaking Ambitions
The Brisbane Broncos are doubling down on their commitment to the community, announcing 12 inspiring new charity partners for 2025, which include organisations such as Ambulance Wish QLD, Cancer Council Queensland, Youngcare, and the Black Dog Institute, among others. These partnerships highlight the Broncos’ focus on addressing critical issues across health, social justice, and community welfare.
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy highlighted the club’s commitment to Queensland communities, noting the legacy of Clive Berghofer, whose $130 million in donations inspires their ongoing efforts. Donaghy stated, “I find it really apt that we get to come into this building, the Clive Berghofer Centre each and every day, and be reminded of Clive’s unwavering support of Queensland community groups that has amassed more than $130M to date.”
The Broncos’ fundraising, including game-day 50-50 raffles, raised a record $900,000 in 2024, and the club aims to exceed $1 million in 2025. Head coach Michael Maguire also shared his enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasising the importance of community engagement. “What we do off the field and away from footy, is just as important, if not more than what we do on the paddock,” Maguire said.
From empowering sports trainers to supporting life-changing charities, the Broncos continue to demonstrate their commitment to the people of Queensland, proving once again that they’re more than just a football club. Join them in making a difference—on and off the field.
In a move that has sent ripples through the rugby league community, the Brisbane Broncos have secured the signature of 16-year-old prodigy Baxter Best, younger brother of Newcastle Knights and NSW State of Origin star Bradman Best.
The four-year deal is a major coup for the Broncos, reinforcing their commitment to developing top-tier young talent and ensuring their pathways remain among the strongest in the league.
Baxter has already emerged as one of Queensland’s most promising junior players, drawing comparisons to his older brother for his powerful playing style and natural flair. He has consistently stood out in junior competitions, proving his ability to match older and more experienced opponents. His performances in the Cyril Connell Cup and for Queensland’s under-15s schoolboys team have cemented his reputation as a future star in the making.
Bradman and Baxter Best : A Family Legacy in the Making
The Best family name carries significant weight in rugby league circles, thanks to Bradman’s meteoric rise as a powerhouse centre for the Knights and his impactful performances for NSW in the State of Origin arena. Now, Baxter is poised to carve out his own legacy, albeit on the opposite side of the Origin divide.
After the family’s move to Queensland, he became eligible for the Maroons, potentially setting up a future State of Origin rivalry with Bradman. While his older brother has already made his mark in the Blues jersey, Baxter’s journey is just beginning.
A Bright Future with the Broncos
Baxter’s decision to join the Broncos over other NRL suitors underscores the club’s strong reputation for nurturing young talent. This season, he will line up for the Souths Logan Magpies under-17s, where he will face stiffer competition and continue to hone his skills against top opposition. The signing reflects the Broncos’ long-term vision, as they continue to secure players with immense potential and invest in the future of the club.
For the Broncos, the signing is a testament to their long-term vision. By investing in players like Baxter, the club is not only securing its future but also ensuring that its development pathways remain among the strongest in the league.
As Baxter embarks on his journey with the Broncos, the rugby league world will be watching closely. With his combination of speed, size, and maturity, he has all the tools to follow in his brother’s footsteps and make a name for himself at the highest level.
