The Brisbane Broncos are making significant changes as they gear up for the 2025 NRL season, highlighted by the promotion of Troy Thomson to the role of NRL General Manager – Football Operations. After joining the club only months prior as the manager of football operations, Thomson's appointment signals the Broncos’ commitment to enhancing their performance culture and overall operations.
This strategic move was confirmed at the club’s board meeting last Tuesday, with the decision shaped by Thompson's demonstrated impact since his arrival. Originally hired from his position at the NRL, where he was the elite performance manager for the Australian Kangaroos, Thomson's extensive background includes notable tenures with the Melbourne Storm and South Sydney Rabbitohs.
CEO Dave Donaghy emphasized Thomson's quick adaptation and influence, declaring, "Troy has quickly established himself as a respected and highly regarded member of the football department and our Club since coming on board late last year." He noted Thomson's wealth of expertise and previous successful collaborations with Broncos head coach Michael Maguire, such as being part of the 2014 premiership campaign with South Sydney.
Thomson expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating, "I’m honoured to be stepping to this position and excited to build on the work we’ve already begun at the Broncos since Madge and myself arrived at the Club." He highlighted the importance of teamwork and culture, paving the way for setting the team up for success amid high pressure.
A key component of this restructuring also includes Paul Dyer continuing his leadership over the NRLW program, alongside Simon Scanlan, who will maintain responsibility for recruitment and pathways. This delineation of roles is part of the Broncos' broader strategy to strengthen relationships within the football community, especially with affiliated clubs and state-level programs.
Donaghy explained the club's rationale for this division of responsibilities, underscoring the complexity of managing the NRL alongside NRLW and various academies. He said, "Just giving the focus and scrutiny on the NRL program, we felt it was too much to have one person really attached to it when we've got such a wide, vast football program." This indicates the team's ambition to not only compete at higher levels but to also nurture talent across all levels of play.
Last year, the Broncos finished 12th, prompting calls for substantial cultural and performance improvements. The appointment of Thomson is perceived as pivotal to re-establishing competitive standards and refurbishing the team's reputation within the league.
The Broncos' pre-season has also seen promising signs on the field. During their latest trial match against the Canterbury Bulldogs, the Broncos demonstrated their strength with a commanding lead in the first half. Despite claiming victory, concerns arose about potential injuries during the game, putting the team’s depth and strategic planning under the microscope as they progress through the pre-season phase.
With many eyes on the team as the 2025 season approaches, the Broncos aim not only to bring home trophies but also to revive their legacy among NRL powerhouses. Fans and analysts alike will undoubtedly be watching how the new management dynamics will turn these ambitious strategies and objectives from plans on paper to reality on the field.
Overall, the forthcoming 2025 season holds significant promise for the Brisbane Broncos, with strategic personnel shifts aiming to realign the club’s ambitions with its historical pedigree. The question remains: will these adjustments yield the championship-caliber results both the management and fans are craving?