Michael Maguire‘s major dilemma heading into Brisbane‘s title defence is that two key members of his spine turn 36 during the new season.
Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt were superb as the Broncos ended their long title drought in 2025 – but can they do it again?
And will 2026 be their final seasons, leaving Brisbane with some big decisions to make?
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Promising youngster Jonah Pezet joins the Broncos from Melbourne via Parramatta in 2027, seemingly the perfect long-term replacement for Reynolds at halfback.
Billy Walters, who is currently recovering from an ACL tear, played his best football at hooker last year and should step seamlessly into Hunt’s boots.
Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt. Getty
As players age, they become more injury prone and the question has to be asked, can the two veterans get through a tough and demanding 27-round season, plus finals.
Cowboys recruit Tom Duffy has played just six top grade games but shapes as next man up for Reynolds if his dodgy hamstrings give way, while with Walters set for a late start to the year, Blake Mozer is the logical short-term replacement for Hunt as the veteran moves to hooker.
The other intriguing player is the colossus Payne Haas.
Brisbane would have given the game’s most damaging big man a 10-year deal – instead Haas looks set to sign for just one more season until the end of 2027.
The reliable Kobe Hetherington is the only member of the grand-final winning squad to leave, signing with Manly, and the Broncos have plenty capable of replacing him.
Xavier Willison. Getty
Look for Xavier Willison – one of the best young forwards in the league – to get more game time next season after a big summer.
The enigmatic Selwyn Cobbo showed little in 2025 and his departure to the Dolphins shouldn’t be a problem, especially with Storm utility back Grant Anderson coming in.
Brisbane Broncos potential 2026 team
1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Gehamat Shibasaki 4. Kotoni Staggs 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Ben Hunt 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Blake Mozer 15. Xavier Willison 16. Jack Gosiewski 17. Grant Anderson