Broncos hooker Blake Mozer has shut down speculation he had spoken with rival clubs, declaring he was the man to spearhead Brisbane’s return to premiership contention for the long haul.
While the off contract rising star is nursing a shoulder injury, which he revealed could keep him sidelined for round two, he is adamant his game had evolved to the stage where he would claim the No.9 jersey beyond the end of his 2025 deal.
Despite reports suggesting Mozer had been in discussions with other outfits, the 20-year-old dismissed those talks and confirmed his desire to become the future face of the Broncos’ spine.
“I haven’t spoken to any other clubs, there was a bit of a report saying I had when I actually haven’t,” Mozer told this masthead.
“It’s not the right time for me, with my injury I’m just taking it one thing at a time, and for me to get back to footy I’ve really got to lock in with my rehab and get that under control so I can be at the best of my capabilities.
“There seems to be a spot for me if I’m willing to work for it and that’s what I want to do – just keep working hard and work my way back into the team again after the shoulder injury.
“I’d love to stay here at the Broncs, whether that happens or not is not up to me – it’s up to my management, it’s up to the Broncos.
“I just want to keep playing good footy with the Broncos for as long as I can.”
Cory Paix looms as the favourite to claim the dummy-half duties from incumbent rake Billy Walters in round one, while Tyson Smoothy is also on the books.
Mozer’s chances will come under further threat upon star five-eighth Ezra Mam’s return from a nine-game suspension, after being charged with unlicensed drug driving.
Mam’s comeback is expected to shift marquee recruit Ben Hunt to the No.9 jumper, but Mam believes he will be forced to fight his way back into the side through the Queensland Cup.
“No one is set on their role with the club. It’s a lot of competition with the players, so I’m just going to have to work my way into the side and whatever happens I’ll have to do my best at training and on the footy field,” Mam said.
“The best thing for the team is if I put my best foot forward, and I’m challenging everyone else at training to get their habits better. I’ve got a lot to work on off the field as well as on the field, so I’m not really in a rush to get back on the field.
“I just want to be the best person I can.”
Despite the conjecture at the Broncos’ ruck, Mozer declared it was a jersey he would inevitably wear, having come of age in 2024.
After playing eight consecutive games last year, the Keebra Park product believes his turning point came in a tight defeat to the Dragons in round 19 in which he scored and made two linebreaks to orchestrate a 20-point comeback.
“I just played the way I wanted to play, and then it turned out well. We didn’t get the win, but it did change my perspective and how I can still play the same and get away with it,” Mozer said.
“As the year went on I got a bit more comfortable to be honest, so I think this year I’ve got all the nerves out of the way. For myself, it’s just confidence because I know how good of a player I am.
“I’ve got to back my competence with my confidence. I know myself better than anyone, and I’m going to get that 9 jersey – it’s just I’ve got to work for it.”
Sydney Morning Herald
