The Brisbane Broncos have been quietly active in the NRL player market in recent weeks, signing a number of players with first-grade experience on ‘train and trial’ deals. But under NRL rules, said players are blocked from playing first-grade for the first 10 rounds of the season.
Last week the Broncos brought in Kane Bradley from the Melbourne Storm, and Mason Teague from the Newcastle Knights. Both players will be on train and trial contracts, as are former Penrith Panthers forward Preston Riki and ex-Cowboys player Jamal Shibasaki.
Michael Maguire (R) and the Brisbane Broncos have signed Kane Bradley (far left) from the Melbourne Storm. Image: Getty/AAP
Train and trial deals are usually given to players hoping to prove themselves, with clubs willing to take a chance and hoping the signings show something in the pre-season. Bradley, Teague and Riki were all cut loose by their former clubs, and the Broncos were quick to snap them up.
Players on train and trial contracts earn about $1200 per week, plus an extra $3000 for every NRL game they play. But under NRL rules, they’re not allowed to play first-grade until Round 11 unless league bosses grant clubs special permission.
New Broncos signings hoping to prove they belong
It means the likes of Bradley, Teague, Riki and Shibasaki will have to toil away in Queensland Cup if they prove themselves to Michael Maguire and the Broncos, and eventually be eligible to play NRL come Round 11. Shibasaki’s brother Gehamat was originally on a train and trial deal with the Broncos, but was soon upgraded to a full-time contract in 2025.
He went on to play State of Origin for Queensland, won a premiership with the Broncos and represented Australia in the Ashes series in England. Maguire will be hoping to find another gem in the likes of Bradley, Teague, Riki and Jamal Shibasaki, who will all be keen to prove themselves in pre-season training and show they’re worthy of being retained.
Preston Riki (L) and Kane Bradley (R) will be hoping to earn full-time deals at the Brisbane Broncos. Image: Getty
Mason Teague has NRL and Test match experience. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Bradley has played 13 NRL games to date, including 11 with the Melbourne Storm from 2023 to 2025. He’s a handy depth piece for the Broncos who can play in the outside backs and second-row.
Teague played eight games of NRL for the Dolphins between 2023 and 2024, and didn’t crack first-grade level at the Newcastle Knights in 2025. The hooker has played five Test matches for the Cook Islands and will be up against players like Ben Hunt, Billy Walters and Cory Paix for first-grade time.
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Riki played three NRL games for the Panthers, while Jamal Shibasaki played two for the Cowboys. They’ll also provide good depth for the Broncos’ forward pack.
Gehamat Shibasaki told Zero Tackle earlier this year it’s his “dream” tom play first-grade with his brother. “If we could get to [State of Origin] level that’d be the ultimate dream,” he said.
“Even though we are like seven years apart, me and him are very close. I want to set that example for him to come through. I want him to have a successful career, so I’m willing to cop it all and then take the tough yards for him to be able to go through it. I want him to play consistent NRL footy and I want him to get all the accolades he deserves.”