Resurgent Broncos’ hooker Cory Paix is on the cusp of completing a remarkable career renaissance, as the once-exiled rake nears a contract extension to stay at Red Hill.
Since his axing midway through the 2023 season, Paix had been trapped in the Queensland Cup and was informed he was free to explore his options before the end of his 2025 contract.
Yet in the defence-oriented era of Michael Maguire, he has claimed the No.9 jumper from incumbent Billy Walters and has not missed a tackle in his past two outings while making 84.
But his lack of ball running – averaging just eight metres a game this year – has not stopped Brisbane from reportedly engaging in extension talks with the 25-year-old.
A new contract would ensure the logjam of rakes continues, with highly touted rookie Blake Mozer also unsigned, and halfback Adam Reynolds considering playing on, which could shift Ben Hunt to hooker.
Speaking ahead of Brisbane’s clash with the Dolphins on Friday night, Paix confirmed his desire to stay in Broncos colours, while vowing to “resurrect” his running game.
“I started here as a young kid and all I’ve had to do is work really hard and put myself in this position. When that [extension] comes, it will come,” Paix said.
“I certainly want to stay here – this place is all I have known.
“I have taken each day as it comes. This may have been my last year at the Broncos, so I was going to enjoy every moment possible.”
Paix headlines a trio of unheralded Broncos to transform their careers under Maguire, and he helped overturn a horror 2024 campaign in which they fell to 12th – after being two minutes away from a premiership in 2023 – as their defensive frailties triggered 10 defeats from their final 13 games.
The return of strike centre Kotoni Staggs from injury for the Battle of Brisbane has come at the expense of Deine Mariner, who has been usurped by 33-game journeyman Gehamat Shibasaki.
“He [Mariner] will obviously go back and work really hard to push towards a position. That’s all I knuckled down on last year and that got me to the point I am now. I have been in that position before and only hard work gets you out of that."
Shibasaki impressed Maguire for his defensive decisions while on a 12-week train and trial, and has averaged 149 running metres and three tackle busts a game, while missing just five tackles.
Jack Gosiewski, who had managed just 74 games since his 2016 debut, also caught Maguire’s eye in the preseason to unseat Queensland Maroons squad member Brendan Piakura in the back row.
The 30-year-old burst out of the blocks against the Roosters – scoring a try, running for 104 metres, and making 19 tackles for one miss – but has since struggled to replicate those heights.
Missing seven tackles while running for a combined 59 metres in his past two outings, Gosiewski has thus far retained his place for the looming Battle of Brisbane.
However, Piakura has vowed to win back his jumper, despite his campaign getting off to a nightmare start, in which he was sin binned one minute after joining the fray against Sydney.
The 22-year-old has since played 32 minutes in a losing cause against the Raiders, before taking over from Gosiewski roughly half an hour into the triumph of the Cowboys, as he embraced the fight for his future.
“If you’re not getting challenged, what’s the point of doing it? The challenges each year keep the mind fresh from not being complacent,” Piakura told this masthead.
“All the back rowers have been training the house down.
“No jersey is safe, and that’s exactly what you want. It keeps everyone on their toes, keeps us working hard, and hopefully, I get that jersey.”
Sydney Morning Herald
