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.

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.


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

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

Ben Hunt has detailed the cultural overhaul driving Brisbane’s 2024 ambitions, declaring the Broncos’ pre-season under Michael Maguire the toughest he’s experienced since returning to the club.


Read: Madge Maguire Confirms Adam Reynolds as Brisbane Broncos Captain


Inside the Pre-Season Revolution

New coach Michael Maguire has wasted no time integrating Hunt into the club’s senior leadership group alongside Adam Reynolds, Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas, and Kotoni Staggs. While Reynolds continues to hold the captaincy, Hunt’s inclusion underscores the immense value placed on his experience and deep understanding of the Broncos’ culture.

Reflecting on his decision to return, Hunt shared, “It was always in my heart that if I ever had an opportunity to finish my career here or ever get back, it was something I really wanted to do.” Hunt’s choice to rejoin the Broncos over a lucrative offer from the Dolphins highlights his emotional connection to the club where his NRL journey began.

The Broncos that Hunt rejoins in 2025 bear little resemblance to the team he left in 2017. The tin shed training facility of old has been replaced by a state-of-the-art $27 million headquarters, and the playing roster has undergone a near-complete transformation. Hunt, however, views these changes as an opportunity to contribute rather than a challenge to overcome.

Hunt also confirms that Maguire’s approach has galvanised Brisbane’s star-studded roster. Under Maguire’s leadership, the team is focused on core values that resonate deeply with Hunt’s career. “The big drivers Madge is bringing in are working hard, competing, and never giving up on your mate,” Hunt explained, reflecting on the emphasis of a recent leadership camp that underscores the Broncos’ renewed direction.

Ben Hunt Embraces His Role in a Redemption Mission

Hunt’s return is more than symbolic. With the potential to reach 200 games for the Broncos this season, his immediate focus is on aiding the team’s premiership aspirations. With Ezra Mam suspended for nine games, Hunt will start at five-eighth in Round 1—a role he’s embraced. “I feel like it’s gone full circle with Madge; he obviously gave me my debut jersey and now, I’m a little older but he’s still showing faith in me,” he said.


Read: Why Red Hill Unit Owners Are Staying Longer Than Expected


For fans, his homecoming is a source of both nostalgia and optimism. Hunt’s experience, coupled with the club’s evolution under Maguire, positions him not just as a player but as a bridge connecting the team’s rich history to its ambitions for future success.

Published 24-January-2025

Broncos Star Ezra Mam Reflects on Costly Mistake

Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam faces an uncertain path back to first-grade football following his guilty plea to drug driving and unlicensed driving charges at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday.

The 21-year-old five-eighth was fined $850 and had his licence disqualified for six months. Since then, he has been training in isolation at the Broncos’ Red Hill headquarters while awaiting the NRL Integrity Unit’s final determination on potential sanctions.


Read: Signs of Hope Amid Pre-season Concerns: Maguire’s Vision Takes Shape for the Brisbane Broncos


Court ruling and public reaction

The 18 October crash in Bardon, which involved an Uber carrying a woman and her four-year-old daughter, has drawn widespread criticism over the perceived leniency of the court’s punishment. NRL commentator Mark Levy suggested a season-long suspension, criticising the court’s penalty as insufficient. Redland woman Judy Lindsay, who lost her daughter in a 2009 crash, called for stricter penalties to deter similar behaviour.

Mam expressed remorse outside court, saying, “To all the people involved in this accident, I’m truly sorry.”

“This incident isn’t a reflection of who I want to be or what is expected of me as a role model.”

Broncos’ response to the incident

Broncos coach Michael Maguire revealed he has had several discussions with Mam, who has been working unpaid at a Brisbane building site after completing a four-week rehabilitation program at The Banyans Healthcare.

“I’ve had a number of conversations with him, and Ezra’s working through the process,” Maguire told Channel 9. “I think he’s learned a lot from this moment in time.”

“He’s a young man that’s made a mistake, and he’s working hard to make sure that he moves forward now in the right path.”

The Broncos have ruled out contract termination but have moved to shore up their playmaking stocks, signing veteran Queensland Origin star Ben Hunt on a two-year deal. Hunt, who commenced training with the club on Sunday, is expected to partner Adam Reynolds in the halves at the start of the 2025 season.


Read: Ben Hunt Returns to Red Hill as Broncos Eye Title Glory


Ezra Mam, future and redemption

Mam’s immediate playing future hinges on the NRL Integrity Unit’s investigation. He is expected to rejoin his teammates when they return from their Christmas break in January. In the meantime, he continues his twice-daily training sessions at Red Hill.

The incident has reignited debates on accountability in professional sport. As the Broncos prepare to wrap up their pre-season training this week, the timing of Mam’s return to the field remains uncertain, leaving both the player and club in a holding pattern heading into the new year.

Published 18-December-2024

Signs of Hope Amid Pre-season Concerns: Maguire’s Vision Takes Shape for the Brisbane Broncos

Recent observations at Brisbane Broncos’ pre-season training have sparked discussion among supporters, with conflicting reports emerging about the fitness levels of key players Reece Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo.


Read: Auchenflower Hospital to Undergo Major Expansion


A challenging pre-season for the Brisbane Broncos?

During Monday’s fitness testing at Red Hill, Channel 10’s Ted Roker observed Walsh and Cobbo trailing at the back of the group with veteran Martin Taupau. This has sparked debate as new coach Michael Maguire introduces a rigorous regime to transform the Broncos after their lacklustre 2024 season.

Teammates rally behind Walsh

Despite concerns raised by Monday’s fitness testing, teammates like Jesse Arthars and Payne Haas have defended Walsh’s pre-season form, describing it as the strongest he’s displayed in years. “Reece has been going pretty hard,” Arthars noted last week, highlighting Walsh’s commitment alongside Payne Haas throughout pre-season preparations.

Haas himself stepped forward on Tuesday to address the fitness concerns during a sponsor media event. “To be honest, Walshy is probably the fittest he’s come back,” Haas insisted. “Pre-season is tough, so all the boys are having a red-hot crack and they’re going well.”

Maguire faces tough player decisions

While fitness levels have sparked debate, equally pressing are the strategic decisions facing Maguire, particularly around Cobbo’s role within the squad. Maguire has indicated he’s considering moving Cobbo back to the wing, despite his 2024 centre role. “Selwyn is potentially a wing option, yes,” Maguire confirmed to The Courier Mail, emphasising Cobbo’s versatility and strong ball-carrying abilities.

The situation is further complicated by salary cap pressures. Ben Hunt’s acquisition and Walsh’s $5 million contract extension have tightened the club’s financial landscape, delaying contract discussions with Cobbo until after the pre-season period. These constraints raise questions about whether the Broncos can retain their core talent while balancing their budget, potentially forcing difficult decisions between keeping Cobbo or Kotoni Staggs beyond 2025.

Despite these early pre-season talking points, there are positive signs for the Broncos. Jordan Riki’s strong showing in the fitness test, immediately after returning from international duty with New Zealand, demonstrates the high standards possible under Maguire’s new regime.


Read: Ben Hunt Returns to Red Hill as Broncos Eye Title Glory


As the Christmas break approaches, Brisbane Broncos supporters will be watching closely to see how these early pre-season developments shape the team’s preparations for 2025. With Maguire at the helm, the Broncos’ renewed focus will be critical in their bid to restore former glory after missing the top eight in 2024.

Published 14-December-2024

Ben Hunt Returns to Red Hill as Broncos Eye Title Glory

Brisbane Broncos have landed a major coup for their 2025 premiership campaign, securing the services of Queensland Origin star Ben Hunt on a two-year deal. The signing marks a homecoming for Hunt, who launched his NRL career with the Broncos in 2009.


Read: Auchenflower Hospital to Undergo Major Expansion


Ben Hunt reveals why Brisbane won out

When asked whether returning to the Broncos was always the plan, Hunt admitted in an interview with 4BC Brisbane, “It definitely wasn’t always, and that’s what made the decision process so long.”

“Having a family down here in Sydney, we had to weigh up whether it was the right move to come back to Queensland or stay down here and finish off before we move back.”

Despite strong interest from Sydney clubs, Hunt’s emotional connection to Brisbane won out. “In my heart it always kept taking me back to Brisbane and the possibility of finishing off my career where it all started,” Hunt revealed.

Premiership vision drives return

Broncos head coach Michael Maguire believes Hunt could be the missing piece in breaking Brisbane’s 19-year title drought. “He would give us great depth,” Madge said. “Ben has played both positions at the highest levels at hooker and halfback, so it would give us versatility around what he can do.”

Hunt, too, is optimistic about his return. “I’m hoping I can contribute and win a competition,” he shared, voicing his championship ambitions. “I believe they’ve got the troops to do it, and Madge will be great for the club.”

Hunt is open to embracing any role that benefits the team but remains clear about his priorities. “My priority is to play in the half—that’s my favourite position,” he stated. “But playing hooker definitely isn’t an issue for me.”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”

Looking ahead to 2025

The 334-game veteran will begin training under Maguire next month, bringing experience and leadership to Red Hill. “I met with Madge a couple of times and everything we talked about was footy related—what he thinks the side’s capable of and how I can contribute,” Hunt said. “Our conversations were outstanding and I’m looking forward to playing under him.”


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“For him to come back and achieve something that he set out as a kid at the Broncos, it would be an incredible story,” Maguire added, highlighting the narrative of Hunt’s return.

With Hunt’s leadership and skillset, the Broncos’ spine is shaping up to be one of the strongest in the NRL, giving the team a dynamic edge as they prepare for the 2025 season.

Published 27-November-2024

From Backyard Dreams to Broncos Legend: Corey Oates Hangs Up His Boots

In a Baralaba backyard, a young Corey Oates once narrated his own imaginary tries at Suncorp Stadium. Today, he closes the chapter on a dream turned reality, announcing his retirement from the Brisbane Broncos after a decorated 12-year career that saw him cross the try line 121 times in the maroon jersey.


Read: Brisbane Broncos Roundup: Enter the Michael Maguire Era


The country kid who conquered Brisbane

From the fields of Central Queensland to Brisbane’s rugby league heartland, Oates’ journey reads like a rugby league fairy tale. The Baralaba Panthers junior rose from a bush footy hopeful to a cornerstone of one of the NRL’s most storied clubs, amassing 216 first-grade games along the way.

While the statistics tell an amazing story—121 tries as the Broncos’ third-highest try scorer of all time, nine State of Origin appearances, and three series victories for Queensland—they still don’t capture the heart-stopping moments that defined his career.

From his unforgettable maiden try in the 2015 grand final, which had Brisbane dreaming of glory…

…to his remarkable four-try showcase against Manly in 2018 that brought Suncorp Stadium to its feet…

…and to his resurgent 2022 season, where he crossed the line 20 times in 22 games, Oates turned wing play into an art form.

“Playing Origin for Queensland and playing for the Broncos—I still have to pinch myself that it all happened for real,” Oates says.

Corey Oates dances with adversity

Every hero’s journey has its battles, and Oates has fought his share. He overcame a career-threatening staph infection in 2017, bounced back from a broken jaw in 2023, and weathered the storms of form and fitness that tested him in his final seasons. Yet, like the country boy who first dreamed of wearing Broncos colours, he never lost his fighting spirit.

At 29, with young kids at home and a body that’s weathered 12 seasons of professional rugby league, Oates makes his exit on his own terms.

“When you have kids and family, and when you get to that point in your career, you evaluate what’s important – and I want to be part of my kid’s life and do as much as I can with them,” he reflects.

“I never wanted to be the person who went one season too many.”


Read: Kelvin Grove Teacher Recognised in Prestigious State Awards


As the last remnant of the 2015 grand final team departs, Oates leaves behind more than just tries and tackles. He carries with him the distinction of being a one-club man in an era where loyalty often takes a backseat to opportunity. The doors of the Broncos won’t close entirely on Oates, with discussions of an ambassador role suggesting his story with the club isn’t quite finished.

As the sun sets on one chapter, the legacy of Corey Oates—try-scoring phenomenon, Origin warrior, and Broncos faithful—will continue to inspire the next generation of backyard dreamers.

Published 10-October-2024

Brisbane Broncos Roundup: Enter the Michael Maguire Era

A new dawn at Red Hill as skipper Adam Reynolds is reunited with former coach, “Madge” Maguire, while young forward Kobe Hetherington earned national recognition with selection in the PM’s XIII squad.


Read: Madge MaGuire Comes To Red Hill


New sheriff heralds culture shift

Broncos captain Adam Reynolds, who won a premiership under Maguire at South Sydney, offered insight into what his teammates can expect. “He comes in, he demands success straight away and he holds everyone accountable to their actions both on the field and off the field and the boys will get a bit of a shock,” Reynolds told Triple M.

The incoming coach showed immediate understanding of the club’s significance, acknowledging the Broncos as “one of rugby league’s great clubs” and emphasising his commitment to the fans.

“We want the members to turn up and be proud of the way we play, proud of their team,” Maguire stated.

Echoes of 2008’s coaching crossroads

As the Broncos embrace their new coaching direction, a fascinating revelation has emerged about a pivotal moment in the club’s history. In 2008, the club was on the verge of securing Craig Bellamy as Wayne Bennett’s successor—a move that could have dramatically altered the course of rugby league history.

Fox Sports’ Matty Johns revealed to the Courier News that Bellamy was ready to accept the role until a single comment about coaching autonomy derailed the entire deal. “The Broncos didn’t want Craig to have the same power over them that Wayne had,” Johns explained, noting that this was the decisive factor in Bellamy’s decision to remain with Melbourne.

The implications of that moment continue to reverberate, with Johns reflecting, “No doubt he would have won premierships with the Broncos… Craig would have been the perfect fit.”

Club legends consider futures

Two-time premiership winner Darius Boyd has already decided to exit his role as mentor to the club’s outside backs. The Courier Mail reports that Boyd, who had been instrumental in developing talents like Reece Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo, notified the club of his departure one week before the coaching change, citing concerns about the direction of the football program.

Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds the future of club immortal Allan Langer, who is weighing up his position following the departure of his longtime friend Kevin Walters.

According to the Courier Mail, the club is considering offering Langer a transition into a corporate role working with sponsors, with CEO Dave Donaghy emphasising, “We will always value what Alfie has done for the Broncos and we want to keep him here for life.”

Madge has expressed his desire to retain Langer, stating, “I’ve had a fair bit of time with Alf, and I think we all like Alf. So I want to see what he wants to do with himself and work out where he fits in.”

Hetherington earns PM’s XIII honours

While the coaching appointment dominated headlines, the Broncos received additional recognition with Kobe Hetherington earning selection in the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII squad to face Papua New Guinea. The exhibition match, scheduled for 13 October at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, represents a significant honour for the Broncos forward.

Hetherington joins as the sole Broncos representative alongside an impressive roster of NRL talent, with the team to be captained by departing South Sydney Rabbitohs hooker Damien Cook.


Read: Bridging Brisbane: Cleary’s ‘The Comfort of Figs’ Roots in Red Hill History


All eyes now turn to early November when Maguire will officially begin preseason preparations with the squad.

Published 06-October-2024