Brisbane Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy has stated that Coby Black remains under contract for 2026, while Ricky Stuart has confirmed reports the young half is seeking an immediate release to join Canberra. Black has signed with the Raiders for 2027 onwards, but The Courier Mail reported this week he’s keen to move straight away.
With Adam Reynolds, Ben Hunt and Ezra Mam all under contract for 2026, Black will struggle to see time at NRL level. But an opportunity might arise at the Raiders, with fellow young gun Ethan Sanders set to get first crack at partnering Ethan Strange in the halves.
Responding to the reports on Wednesday, Donaghy stated there’s been no change to Black’s contract situation for 2026. “Coby is a really good young fella and he’s got a bright future ahead of him wherever he is,” Donaghy said on SEN radio. “Coby is contracted until the end of 2026 until that changes.”
CEO Dave Donaghy (R) has responded to reports that Coby Black (L) has asked for an immediate release from the Brisbane Broncos. Image: AAP
Ricky Stuart confirms Coby Black wants immediate switch
Speaking earlier on Wednesday, Raiders coach Stuart said he’d be keen to get Black in the nation’s capital straight away, and confirmed the reports he’s keen for an immediate switch. Black signed with Canberra when the Broncos moved to get Jonah Pezet for 2027, but the teenager is now looking at switching clubs for 2026.
“There’s a lot of talk about it and there has been some movement,” Stuart said on SEN. “I haven’t got involved in it because it’s got nothing to do with me.
“Coby’s very keen to join the club in 2026, but it’s not a decision that comes down to me. I’m going to be fortunate either way. If he does join us, it’s going to be great for us and we get our opportunity to start coaching him a year early, but if not, I’m very happy for him to be under the guidance of Adam Reynolds in Broncos’ colours.
“He gets another 12 months under the guidance of Adam and Ben Hunt, who’s also a very experienced half. That’s the type of opportunity and experience that young halves can only gain from… but there has been talk about it, but honestly, I just don’t know where it’s at.”
Coby Black is heading to Canberra in 2027, but wants an immediate release for 2026. (AAP Image/Darren England)
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Ricky Stuart grateful for more rep players at Raiders
Stuart also discussed the experience that Strange and Hudson Young had received on the Ashes tour of England, despite the fact Strange didn’t get any game-time for the Kangaroos. “It’s common knowledge that we’ve struggled to buy marquee players here because they prefer the clubs they’re playing at, or they prefer the bigger, brighter lights, but I’ve always said that I need representative footballers here,” Stuart said.
“Now, we’re getting representative footballers, and not just getting representative footballers, but footballers that are making a mark in their representative teams. That is a massive, massive gain for any football team.
“The boys that have been away representing, they’re not due back for another three weeks, but they’re gonna come back with experience. You’re hanging around the best players in the world. You’re playing against some of the best players in the world.
“I caught up with (Strange) at Wembley for the first Test, and I could just see his shoulders back, and he’s very proud to be a Kangaroo. He didn’t play a game but I know he’s going to come back knowing a lot more, hanging around the likes of Cam Munster, Nathan Cleary, and Reece Walsh, those players who are right there in the middle of their careers in regards to their representative honours.
“Ethan’s a guy who’s just starting, and I’m very confident that he’s got representative football in him next year. He’s about to start and establish his own representative career… he’s gonna come back with so much more confidence, and he’ll mature.”