Broncos Link with Falcons in New Affiliate Partnership

The Brisbane Broncos have agreed to an affiliate partnership with the Sunshine Coast Falcons for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

The partnership is in addition to the Club’s existing agreements with the Burleigh Bears, Wynnum-Manly Seagulls and Souths Logan Magpies.

The structure of the partnerships means NRL squad members won’t play for the Falcons, nor will the Sunshine Coast Club send players to the Broncos on train and trial deals during the pre-season.

Rather, the model has been more aligned with the Broncos’ game development strategy and talent identification, via academy systems through the Club’s affiliates.

Broncos General Manager of Recruitment and Pathways, Simon Scanlan, said the Club was committed to supporting all levels of rugby league.

“The Sunshine Coast is not only a fantastic region but also one of the fastest-growing areas in the country,” he said.

“Through this new Falcons affiliation, alongside our existing partnerships, we are dedicated to helping the game from grassroots right through to the professional ranks.

We understand the responsibility we have in shaping the future of rugby league, and we’re proud to play our part to support it at all levels.

The Broncos have had a strong connection with the Sunshine Coast for more than 20-years, particularly through the Club’s grassroots and junior development programs.

In 2003, the Broncos established and sponsored a local high school rugby league competition, which has since evolved into the Justin Hodges 9’s and supports over 1,000 young players.

Since 2006, the Broncos’ Academy Program has operated a development squad in the region and numerous players – like Kawana Dolphins junior, Tyson Smoothy – have progressed to the Club.

The Broncos also commenced a partnership with the Falcons in the women’s rugby league space last year, which is a key affiliate to our NRLW side.

“As a Club, we have been impressed by the Falcons’ leadership under Chris Flannery and Ashley Robinson,” Scanlan said.

We’re excited to expand this affiliation to benefit both clubs and the broader rugby league community.

“We are confident this partnership will help strengthen the Falcons’ operation not only through their pathway and community programs, but also by working closely with their staff to provide support at every level.”

The new partnership with the Falcons means the Broncos now have affiliates throughout the South East Queensland corner, from Burleigh through to Noosa.

The Queensland Rugby League (QRL) is reviewing the prospect of allowing NRL-teams to have their own reserve grade side from 2028.

This approach and the timing of the new partnership will allow the Club to be prepared for sustained performance and success should the QRL decide to go down this path.

Broncos.com.au

 

[BroncsFan]

That last part may be the most interesting... being able to have a standalone broncos team in qcup would be great, but I don't really like the thought of losing connection with our affiliates.

Given NRL squads only have 36 contracted players (incl dev deals), we would struggle to field a full reserve grade team without genuine pathways system like dolphins have setup... which would mean we have to poach players from the rest of qcup.

 

[Allo]

That last part may be the most interesting... being able to have a standalone broncos team in qcup would be great, but I don't really like the thought of losing connection with our affiliates.

Given NRL squads only have 36 contracted players (incl dev deals), we would struggle to field a full reserve grade team without genuine pathways system like dolphins have setup... which would mean we have to poach players from the rest of qcup.

Presumably we can sign players to QCup contracts which would likely replace current train-and-trial contracts to affiliates as they would then just be getting NRL match payments instead if they step up to first grade.

We would also then be having Colts/Meninga/whatever the lower grades are and we can supplement through some of those. We already have the academy and the QRL has sort of shown their hand with the U20s comp that allowed NRL-club signed kids to play for their club's team

 

[BroncsFan]

Presumably we can sign players to QCup contracts which would likely replace current train-and-trial contracts to affiliates as they would then just be getting NRL match payments instead if they step up to first grade.

We would also then be having Colts/Meninga/whatever the lower grades are and we can supplement through some of those. We already have the academy and the QRL has sort of shown their hand with the U20s comp that allowed NRL-club signed kids to play for their club's team

I would assume we get whatever salary cap qcup work under and then theyre an affiliate and we can align top 30 players as per normal rules.

This is what all NSW teams would be doing with their standalone reserve grade teams

 

[Allo]

I would assume we get whatever salary cap qcup work under and then theyre an affiliate and we can align top 30 players as per normal rules.

This is what all NSW teams would be doing with their standalone reserve grade teams

I honestly wouldn't even know if QCup has a cap - I wouldn't think it would be much anyway, but yes there would have to be one so we don't just sign all the best players because we can. It'll be interesting to see how it eventuates if it does

 

[Mustafur]

Wow this is pretty big, we have essentially taken Storms main Qcup team for what seems like forever now, which of our affiliates does this come at the expense of?

Assuming 3 is the limit.

 

[1910]

Wow this is pretty big, we have essentially taken Storms main Qcup team for what seems like forever now, which of our affiliates does this come at the expense of?

Assuming 3 is the limit.

It doesn't involve players, and the Storm announced mid-season they wouldn't be continuing with Cup next year. It's just a pathways system, same as what the Roosters have with Jets- We are not sending you players and you're not sending us players but give us a call if the area has a kid.