A new coach and a new attitude are coming to Red Hill as the Brisbane Broncos gear up for the 2025 NRL season, hoping to end their 19-year premiership drought. After coming perilously close to glory in 2023, the 2024 season proved to be tumultuous, culminating with the dismissal of coach Kevin Walters. Now, under the stewardship of Micheal Maguire, the Broncos are poised to renew their bid for the title.
2024 marked a year of disappointment for the Broncos, where attitudes and culture were called out for poor on-field performances. The team’s struggles were reportedly attributed to issues surrounding the younger players, especially Reece Walsh, who have been criticized for prioritizing their 'rockstar' image over the sport. With Ezra Mam suspended for the first nine matches following off-field issues, the Broncos will look to their new additions and seasoned veterans for leadership.
Speaking of leadership, Ben Hunt's return to Brisbane after seven seasons with the St George Illawarra Dragons could be the pivotal move the Broncos needed. His experience is expected to relieve pressure from captain Adam Reynolds, who faced injury challenges, playing just 13 games last year. Hunt's addition also spearheads the offense along with Reynolds, setting the stage for what could be a potent partnership on the field.
Though the Broncos' roster saw limited changes, with only Hayze Perham and Hunt joining, the departures of notable players like Corey Oates have turned heads. The upcoming season's schedule provides some relief, with the Broncos only leaving Brisbane on four occasions within the first 11 rounds, allowing them to settle early on. The match against the Sydney Roosters is highly anticipated, opening on March 6, which could set the tone for their campaign.
One of the stand-out players to keep an eye on this season will be Reece Walsh. Despite having faced hurdles and criticism, his performance throughout preseason has shown promising signs, where he demonstrated his capability by executing key plays. According to FOX LEAGUE, "Walsh looked threatening every time he had the ball in hand." This form could be pivotal for tackling the challenges the team faces, especially with Mam's absence.
On the other hand, Adam Reynolds, who struggled with injuries last season, is eager to rebound. His pivotal role within the squad has been clear—when he plays well, the Broncos tend to mirror his results. The last season's drop from 5th to 10th without Reynolds' consistent presence illustrated this dependency. With Maguire returning to coach him after their previous success together, Reynolds could be primed for one last title charge.
Another exciting name on the radar is young forward Benjamin Te Kura, who is seen as the next potential star. After making his debut last season, his impressive stats with the Souths Logan Magpies position him to play more significant minutes. His performance metrics, averaging over 120 meters per game, demonstrate his potential impact on the matchday roster.
The Broncos’ preseason games, including their recent clash with the Bulldogs, showcased not just the strengths but also some vulnerabilities. They achieved victory, securing their spot as strong competitors for the Pre-Season Challenge; Hunt played excellently, playing the role of facilitator on the field. Yet, the team also reported concerns with injuries to key players like Kotoni Staggs and Walsh.
Despite these early season worries, coach Maguire seems determined to iron out the kinks and infuse enthusiasm within the roster, working toward fostering the right culture. The season is set to challenge the Broncos, making every game significant as they strive to return to their former glory. Can 2025 finally see the end of the premiership drought? Fans will be hoping this is the year the Broncos find their footing and make serious waves across the league.