Rising playmaker Jonah Pezet is nearing a decision on his NRL future, with three clubs still firmly in the race — but a shock club has reportedly emerged late, shaking up the chase.
Both Parramatta and North Queensland have been leading the charge for the Melbourne Storm half, and it had been reported previously a decision was likely in the coming week.
Now reports from the Daily Telegraph suggest the Broncos could make a play of their own as they plan for life after Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt, who are both entering the final year of their contracts.
The 22-year-old half has been weighing up his options since informing the Storm after the grand final that he intended to test the open market.
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While the Eels and Cowboys remain strong contenders, there’s growing speculation that the Broncos could swoop in late to secure his signature.
A move north would see Pezet link with Ezra Mam and Reece Walsh in what would be one of the NRL’s most exciting young spines — a prospect that has reportedly caught Brisbane’s attention as they look to sustain their premiership window.
Canberra also showed interest earlier in the process but are believed to have pulled out of the race in recent weeks, leaving Parramatta, North Queensland, and potentially Brisbane as the frontrunners.
The Eels are open to either a short- or long-term deal, viewing Pezet as a potential halves partner for Mitchell Moses, while the Cowboys see him as the ideal replacement for veteran halfback Chad Townsend alongside Tom Dearden.
The Storm remain hopeful of retaining the young playmaker, though they face significant uncertainty around their roster and coaching staff.
The club is juggling multiple contract situations, including the future of coach Craig Bellamy, along with stars like Ryan Papenhuyzen and Cameron Munster.
Meanwhile, Storm utility Tyran Wishart is set to explore his options from November 1 as he enters the final year of his current deal.
The Storm have already exercised their option on Wishart for 2026, but the versatile 24-year-old — who played 27 games this season, mostly off the bench — is expected to attract strong interest from rival clubs and may even earn a larger contract than Pezet on the open market.
The Broncos entering the bidding war for Pezet is unexpected, but with a premiership now under their belt and the opportunity to take the reins of a ready-built contender, they may very well snare the exciting half from under rivals’ noses.