Broncos Roster, Signings and Rumours Discussion 2025

[Big Pete]

I don't even know why they call them development deal players anymore... it's just a 36 man squad and 6 of them are on $75k.

Development sounds like they're meant to be young, but they're just whoever. I think we had TMM on a development deal. Seggy was on a DD when he first arrived as well wasn't he (can remember something about him being paid $75k).

And train and trials is just weird phrasing as well... they're T&T for the preseason, but what are they trialing when the season starts.

It's definitely an untapped market for NRL teams from round 11 onwards though... there doesn't seem to be any structure with it and they can just call up whoever for match payments.

Kevvie definitely should've brought someone in against dragons... did we play all 4 hookers in that game?? Two of them on the bench or something.

Should've just found a guy that is performing the best in Qcup and give them a shot.

I've heard development players referred to as secondary players which sounds more appropriate.

You're right about TMM. I believe Segeyaro was on an NRL contract, but the Broncos didn't pay full freight.

The development squad changed through out 2019 due to all the mid-season releases. It started off with Farnworth, Paix, T. Boyd, Bullemor, Turpin & Vudogo. By the end of the year, Farnworth, Paix and Turpin had all been promoted. Tanah Boyd was released to the Titans with Coates, Kennedy and Palasia coming into the squad.

Poor Paix couldn't get a look in - it was Karapani that came onto the bench. I don't think it would have made a difference, but the fact he didn't even bother to name all his reserves sent the message that he was waving the white flag.

The damage was done long before then. When the Broncos released Capewell, they needed to find a replacement ASAP. It took them six months and the best they could come up with was Jack Gosiewski. This idea that Jaiyden Hunt could do a job was mind boggling - I implore his fans to rewatch the Raiders and Storm game.

 

[theshed]

I've heard development players referred to as secondary players which sounds more appropriate.

You're right about TMM. I believe Segeyaro was on an NRL contract, but the Broncos didn't pay full freight.

The development squad changed through out 2019 due to all the mid-season releases. It started off with Farnworth, Paix, T. Boyd, Bullemor, Turpin & Vudogo. By the end of the year, Farnworth, Paix and Turpin had all been promoted. Tanah Boyd was released to the Titans with Coates, Kennedy and Palasia coming into the squad.

Poor Paix couldn't get a look in - it was Karapani that came onto the bench. I don't think it would have made a difference, but the fact he didn't even bother to name all his reserves sent the message that he was waving the white flag.

The damage was done long before then. When the Broncos released Capewell, they needed to find a replacement ASAP. It took them six months and the best they could come up with was Jack Gosiewski. This idea that Jaiyden Hunt could do a job was mind boggling - I implore his fans to rewatch the Raiders and Storm game.

Well, I’ve got a bit of a fresh perspective that I haven’t seen mentioned on BHQ yet - Kevin was not a very good coach

 

[Dexter]

I've heard development players referred to as secondary players which sounds more appropriate.

You're right about TMM. I believe Segeyaro was on an NRL contract, but the Broncos didn't pay full freight.

The development squad changed through out 2019 due to all the mid-season releases. It started off with Farnworth, Paix, T. Boyd, Bullemor, Turpin & Vudogo. By the end of the year, Farnworth, Paix and Turpin had all been promoted. Tanah Boyd was released to the Titans with Coates, Kennedy and Palasia coming into the squad.

Poor Paix couldn't get a look in - it was Karapani that came onto the bench. I don't think it would have made a difference, but the fact he didn't even bother to name all his reserves sent the message that he was waving the white flag.

The damage was done long before then. When the Broncos released Capewell, they needed to find a replacement ASAP. It took them six months and the best they could come up with was Jack Gosiewski. This idea that Jaiyden Hunt could do a job was mind boggling - I implore his fans to rewatch the Raiders and Storm game.

I would say I'm far from a fan , more a hopeful Broncos supporter because he did have some decent patches among the loads of trash.
That's one of Madges tasks though, if he can't get a lot more from our backrow options any thoughts of a premiership run are a fantasy.
Watch this space though.

 

[Big Pete]

I would say I'm far from a fan , more a hopeful Broncos supporter because he did have some decent patches among the loads of trash.
That's one of Madges tasks though, if he can't get a lot more from our backrow options any thoughts of a premiership run are a fantasy.
Watch this space though.

Hunt is a mobile prop forward, expecting him to cover the backrow was always an unrealistic proposition.

It was almost as unrealistic as expecting Piakura to get through 24+ 80 minute performances.

 

[Dexter]

Hunt is a mobile prop forward, expecting him to cover the backrow was always an unrealistic proposition.

It was almost as unrealistic as expecting Piakura to get through 24+ 80 minute performances.

Yes it's a problem any extended injury to Riki or Piaks will be a test for us. We either have to find axway to move a couple or 3 on and then upgrade from there or get more from what we have.

 

[Hoshsie]

Our backrow depth is even worse when you consider the depth we had in 2018 with glenn, gillet, sua, fifita, even tpj and ofahengaue could play there and korbin sims

 

[Lockysillegitimatechild]

Our backrow depth is even worse when you consider the depth we had in 2018 with glenn, gillet, sua, fifita, even tpj and ofahengaue could play there and korbin sims

Just on Glenn... seems like a great guy and decent player but watching some of his instagram stuff, I can't be the only one thinking its embarrassing he was our captain. Seems really childish and a bit desperate for attention.

 

[Big Pete]

Yes it's a problem any extended injury to Riki or Piaks will be a test for us. We either have to find axway to move a couple or 3 on and then upgrade from there or get more from what we have.

Absolutely, but even so are you convinced that Riki and Piakura are the answer?

They've got a big test ahead of them this year.

 

[theshed]

Yes it's a problem any extended injury to Riki or Piaks will be a test for us. We either have to find axway to move a couple or 3 on and then upgrade from there or get more from what we have.

Piakura is almost a certainty for an injury, suspension or both. Now way we won’t need a back up 2rf for at least a 3 or 4 game block.

Piakura should be coming off the bench anyway. I’ll give Riki a shot under a different coach but he has been barely first grade standard in patches.

We have depth quality second rowers starting and no back ups.

I wonder if we could loan Bateman on the cheap for one season and just send him back if he’s a gronk

 

[BroncsFan]

Piakura is almost a certainty for an injury, suspension or both. Now way we won’t need a back up 2rf for at least a 3 or 4 game block.

Piakura should be coming off the bench anyway. I’ll give Riki a shot under a different coach but he has been barely first grade standard in patches.

We have depth quality second rowers starting and no back ups.

I wonder if we could loan Bateman on the cheap for one season and just send him back if he’s a gronk

Maybe Madge can use some of his NSW connections to find a backrower down south that doesn't have a path to first grade.

I think Piaks has it in him to succeed as a first grader. He's super promising in a lot of places, but lacks in the basics (fitness, defence, 1%'ers)... I think those things can be taught and they are basically Madge's number 1 trait, so hopefully he can get him focussed, which will allow his natural talents to shine.

Riki has the basics sorted, but lacks intensity and aggression... that can be harder to teach. It's odd, because there is evidence that Riki is a great line runner, but it's so rarely sighted that I'm unsure who's at fault. Riki also has a lot of natural gifts and athleticism, but it's basically only utilised on kick chase.

The biggest issue across the board for Broncos is all the 'athletes' that we have, but zero footy IQ.... footy IQ and the basics is Madge's best attributes as a coach, so hopefully we see a lot of upskilling next year.

 

[Dexter]

Absolutely, but even so are you convinced that Riki and Piakura are the answer?

They've got a big test ahead of them this year.

No, far from convinced. Rikis best is good enough Piakura is 2025 or jog on. Same with the others.
For all the talent in this side to have such an average bunch in our backrow stocks is disappointing and will decide our year.
How the coaching team go about squeezing the most from these lemons will be interesting.

 

[Mustafur]

I've heard development players referred to as secondary players which sounds more appropriate.

You're right about TMM. I believe Segeyaro was on an NRL contract, but the Broncos didn't pay full freight.

The development squad changed through out 2019 due to all the mid-season releases. It started off with Farnworth, Paix, T. Boyd, Bullemor, Turpin & Vudogo. By the end of the year, Farnworth, Paix and Turpin had all been promoted. Tanah Boyd was released to the Titans with Coates, Kennedy and Palasia coming into the squad.

Poor Paix couldn't get a look in - it was Karapani that came onto the bench. I don't think it would have made a difference, but the fact he didn't even bother to name all his reserves sent the message that he was waving the white flag.

The damage was done long before then. When the Broncos released Capewell, they needed to find a replacement ASAP. It took them six months and the best they could come up with was Jack Gosiewski. This idea that Jaiyden Hunt could do a job was mind boggling - I implore his fans to rewatch the Raiders and Storm game.

'24 recruitment was such a net negative it was pretty mind boggling, I thought at the time the obvious move was to have Capewell share the Backrow and lock positions in game, but to let him go and replace him with fringe first graders was silly, Jaiyden Hunt was also primarily a Middle for most of his career as well.

in hindsight it was clear Capewell was let go to pay for pay rises in the squad, but what it really did was leave a gaping hole in our depth.

 

[Big Del]

Absolutely, but even so are you convinced that Riki and Piakura are the answer?

They've got a big test ahead of them this year.

Tackle bags for Piakura and running onto passes between the slalom posts for Riki .
Bateman ? Hmmm ,, very competitive , but also a penalty magnet from what I`ve watched .
Apparently the Tigers are willing to pay half his salary according to media scuttle butt .

 

[Big Del]

Piakura is almost a certainty for an injury, suspension or both. Now way we won’t need a back up 2rf for at least a 3 or 4 game block.

Piakura should be coming off the bench anyway. I’ll give Riki a shot under a different coach but he has been barely first grade standard in patches.

We have depth quality second rowers starting and no back ups.

I wonder if we could loan Bateman on the cheap for one season and just send him back if he’s a gronk

People were impressed with Riki`s Kick chasing .
I thought he should have contested the ball on numerous occasions rather than wait and make the tackle .
I think he`s a decent defender .In attack they need to make use of his top end speed , he has wheels . Either get deeper and be at pace when you collect the ball or run wider as a 2nd centre . Because his running ATM is not 1st grade standard compared to other top 2nd rowers .

 

[Redfern_1980]

Hi guys, can confirm Brisbane has signed Grant Anderson from the Storm and are looking at playing him at centre in 2026. Trying to get an early release from Melbourne for next season but the Storm aren't budging at the moment. Not sure what this will mean for either Staggs or Cobbo. Looks like Madge might be planning for one of them not being there in 2026.

Anderson looks like a quality player from what I saw of him in Storm games this year (8 tries from 14 games), very reliable and offers good utility value in that he covers centre, wing and even played a game in the halves this year. Bellamy really rates him and is pissed he has signed with Brisbane.

 

[Foordy]

Hi guys, can confirm Brisbane has signed Grant Anderson from the Storm and are looking at playing him at centre in 2026. Trying to get an early release from Melbourne for next season but the Storm aren't budging at the moment. Not sure what this will mean for either Staggs or Cobbo. Looks like Madge might be planning for one of them not being there in 2026.

Anderson looks like a quality player from what I saw of him in Storm games this year (8 tries from 14 games), very reliable and offers good utility value in that he covers centre, wing and even played a game in the halves this year. Bellamy really rates him and is pissed he has signed with Brisbane.

Maybe he is looking for an upgrade on Arthars. Arthars has done well since coming back from the Wahs, but he isn't what i would call a top level winger

 

[BroncsFan]

Hi guys, can confirm Brisbane has signed Grant Anderson from the Storm and are looking at playing him at centre in 2026. Trying to get an early release from Melbourne for next season but the Storm aren't budging at the moment. Not sure what this will mean for either Staggs or Cobbo. Looks like Madge might be planning for one of them not being there in 2026.

Anderson looks like a quality player from what I saw of him in Storm games this year (8 tries from 14 games), very reliable and offers good utility value in that he covers centre, wing and even played a game in the halves this year. Bellamy really rates him and is pissed he has signed with Brisbane.

That is a very underwhelming signing... probably ok as depth... doubt it means he's a starter.

Won't lose both of Cobbo and Staggs, and already have Mariner to play one centre spot.

 

[Unbreakable]

I would've hated the Anderson signing 12 months ago, but he was much improved this year, often Storm's best outside back when he did play.

Don't mind it. Solid replacement for Cobbo or Staggs if we lose one of them, and would be on close to a minimum deal.