Michael Maguire has announced the Brisbane Broncos squad to take on Hull KR in the World Club Challenge later this month with one surprise omission from the team. Maguire has included new recruit Grant Anderson in his extended squad with the former Melbourne Storm back looking crack into the starting XIII.
Another inclusion, which will excite Broncos fans, is Blake Mozer. The young No.9 has been tipped to be the long-term dummy-half for the club. While he was on the outer in 2025, Mozer could be pushing for a bench role this season with Billy Walters not expected back until halfway through the campaign.
Michael Maguire has left Jesse Arthars (pictured far right) out of his World Club Challenge squad to take on Hull KR. (Getty Images)
The rule change to the extended bench could also provide Mozer with extra opportunities this season. Another player fans were keen to see was new signing Aublix Tawha and the enforce will make the trip to England. But one of the biggest names left out of the squad is winger Jesse Arthars. The flyer started off his 2025 season in form having scored a string of tries to start the season.
However, the Broncos’ mixed form coincided with Maguire dropping Arthars from the starting team. Arthars scored 11 tries in 18 games, but lost his place on the wing with Deine Mariner and Josiah Karapani locking down the roles in their run to the NRL grand final.
And Arthars has been left out of the Broncos squad entirely to place the World Club Challenge. Maguire hasn’t given any clues on who will start on the wing come the clash. Anderson will be pushing for a start, but the coach could reward the two wingers who helped win the Broncos the NRL grand final against the Storm.
Towering prop Ben Te Kura also missed out on the squad with the forward struggling to crack the first team in 2025. There were high hopes for him in 2026, but his absence has raised some eyebrows. Fans were left surprised with both their omissions.
Michael Maguire keen for Brisbane Broncos success
Speaking ahead of the World Club Challenge, Maguire admitted the challenge in England was a great opportunity for the players to win another trophy after their success last year. The Broncos also play Penrith in the first round of the NRL and it will give them a tough clash to prepare for the Panthers showdown.
“Definitely going over to win,” he said. “It’s something the boys have a taste for now. It’s also a great opportunity for us to really connect, have an experience on the other side of the world. And then you fast-forward in two weeks and we are playing Penrith in round one.
“We have got one good performance we can make sure we nail and that allows us to get a trophy at the same time. I’ve been apart of World Club Challenges and knowing the England teams over there, they get well and truly up for it. We know we are in for a game.”
Michael Maguire (pictured) left Jesse Arthars out of the World Club Challenge squad.
(Darrian Traynor via Getty Images)