Rugby league legend Cameron Smith will reportedly join Michael Maguire’s coaching staff, joining the reigning premiers in a mentoring role in 2026.

In a bid to go back-to-back next season, Maguire is reportedly looking to keep his team’s training and preparation fresh.

According to Code Sports, Smith met with Maguire, chief executive Dave Donaghy and the rest of Brisbane’s coaching staff as they began planning for 2026.

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Maguire has a history with Smith, having coached him for five seasons while an assistant to Craig Bellamy at the Storm in a stint that began in 2004.

Smith has previously been Billy Slater’s Queensland assistant, but has also spent his time working in the media for Channel 9.

He was also considered to take over the Kangaroos head coaches role, a team he is also a selector for, but that job was ultimately handed to Kevin Walters.

Smith will reportedly help the Broncos’ leadership group, with the legendary captain mentoring the likes of Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan and Kotoni Staggs.

The 42-year-old, considering his longstanding ties to the Storm, also reached out to Craig Bellamy before taking the role to get his blessing.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the Broncos have tried to sign Smith, making three attempts at prying him away from Melbourne in his playing days.

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RLWC FINAL LOCATION REVEALED

Suncorp Stadium is reportedly set to play host to the 2026 World Cup grand final, with the draw for the tournament set to be released later this month.

The 10 teams taking part will be finalised when South Africa plays Cook Islands ahead of the Pacific Championships final on Sunday, according to the Courier Mail.

The NRL, off the back of a successful international period, will then release the draw, hoping to garner interest in the tournament which will take place next year.

Queensland has reportedly won the rights to host the final, while Allianz Stadium will reportedly play host to several big ties.

LEGEND’S TACKLE NY MARATHON

NRL legend and AFL icon Buddy Franklin have taken part in the New York Marathon, taking part in the Indigenous marathon running project with a 42 kilometre effort abroad.

Thurston finished the event in three hours and 43 minutes, six minutes faster than his AFL counterpart who completed the marathon in three hours and 49 minutes, according to Code Sports.

“Hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Franklin said to News Corp after crossing the line.

Buddy Franklin, Jedd Bell and Johnathan Thurston after completing the New York Marathon.Source: Supplied

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12 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people between aged between 18-30 are picked to train and run in the event each year as apart of the initiative.

Participants meet throughout the year to train, complete educational programs and are supported by an elite coaching staff, hoping to use the skills gained to become healthy lifestyle leaders.

Alongside the dozen selected this year, Thurston and Franklin also took part.