NRL journeyman Hayze Perham admits ‘it might have been the end’ after 964 days on the sidelines

Journeyman outside back Hayze Perham was on the cusp of giving the game away last year, but now he’s keen to stay at Brisbane for as long as he can after a brave return to the field.

The 26-year-old fullback started his first NRL game in 964 days in the 32-12 win over former club Canterbury on Friday night, after injuries to Reece Walsh (cheek) and Jesse Arthars (leg) opened the door.

Perham showed his class and had a hand in two first-half tries while making 14 tough carries.

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An ACL rupture wiped out the 2025 season at the Broncos after stints with the Warriors, Bulldogs and Parramatta.

Perham was quick to sum up the mental and physical fortitude he showed to return to action when asked whether his rehabilitation was “hard”.

“I think hard’s an understatement,” he said.

“There was definitely a time midway last year when I thought that I wasn’t going to get through it and it might have been the end of the road for me.

“The Broncos really supported me … I came over on a one-year development deal and they signed me pretty much halfway through my rehab program.”

It is why he was so proud and pleased to be back at fullback and play a key role in a victory.

Perham signed a one-year deal for 2026, as announced by the Broncos, but it is understood he has an option to re-sign.

“After the faith that they showed me to get to this point now, it’s obviously a huge occasion,” he added.

“I’m glad I got to repay them in some way … to play then get the win for them.

“When they came forward to my manager and said that they wanted to keep me on for another year, when I hadn’t even touched the field yet, it was a huge uplifting moment for me.”

Walsh will return to the No.1 position when his cheek heals, but Perham is not daunted and wants to extend his time at the club.

“I’d love to stay here and do my job for the team, wherever it may be,” Perham said.

“Reece probably finished last year in the best form that anyone’s ever been in.

“Even though he’s a bit younger and a bit cheekier, to be around a player like that and learn off him is amazing.”