Broncos officials have reportedly raised their eyebrows at the sight of Channel 9 presenter Bronte Gildea being hand picked to cover the launch of the PNG Chiefs logo this week.
The NRL’s 19th franchise showed off the club’s new emblem, jersey and other merchandise ahead of the team’s entry into the NRL in 2028.
As has happened previously throughout the year, journalists were given a backstage look at the club’s headquarters before the announcement was made in Port Moresby on Wednesday.
Despite being a rising star at Nine, Gildea’s presence at the Chiefs’ launch has become a concern for the Broncos, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
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Gildea is the partner of Brisbane enforcer Pat Carrigan.
Her trip to Papua New Guinea was paid for by the expansion club.
According to Channel 9’s Danny Weidler, the Broncos made “inquiries” with the Chiefs to question why Gildea was headhunted.
Weidler reported the Broncos’ “senses are tingling” as the Chiefs continue to raid rival clubs top-line talent with the competitive advantage of offering “tax free” contracts.
The Broncos are concerned Gildea will return to Brisbane and talk up the Chiefs’ fancy facilities in conversations with the wives and girlfriends of Broncos players.
Carrigan is signed with the Broncos until the end of 2028.
It means he will not go on the open market until November, 2027.
It was reported in July, the Broncos were already planning to make Carrigan a wealthy contract extension worth up to $1.2 million per-season, through to the end of 2030.
Gildea was earlier this month at the centre of a major shake-up of Channel 9’s Queensland newsroom.
Gildea will reportedly become the new face of sport for Nine in Brisbane, making the move from the Gold Coast to Brisbane to host the network’s 6pm sport bulletin.
As reported by The Courier-Mail, Gildea will juggle her Monday-Friday job while continuing her commitments for Channel 9’s NRL coverage.
Gildea has become a familiar face to rugby league fans, hosting Nine’s NRLW coverage in the 2026 season and featuring in its NRL grand final broadcasts.
Originally published as Channel 9 presenter Bronte Gildea caught in NRL club power struggle