NEWS These players want to be Broncos. First, they have to survive training

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These are the men who have joined the Broncos fold, eager to prove to coach Michael Maguire they have the tools to thrive in the NRL.

On the club’s first day of preseason, 16 hopefuls – largely from the Queensland Cup – rocked up to launch the “Madge” regimen as “train and trial players” in the blazing Brisbane sun.

Headlining that list were NRL journeyman Gehamat Shibasaki, Melbourne Rebels rugby union convert Glen Vaihu and former Bulldogs fullback Hayze Perham.

Despite the loss of four 2023 grand final heroes – Thomas Flegler, Herbie Farnworth, Kurt Capewell and Keenan Palasia – there was the belief at Red Hill they had the makings of a premiership side in 2024.

Instead, a 12th-place finish eventuated, as a concerning injury toll proved the club lacked the depth to remain a title contender.

That became clearer in the forward pack, as star enforcer Payne Haas was limited to just 14 games – ultimately undergoing Lisfranc surgery – and recruits Fletcher Baker, Jaiyden Hunt and Jack Gosiewski failed to inject the same spark.

Haas was spotted at training leading the rehab group ahead of his scheduled return, and Maguire will be hopeful of building his engine room around the State of Origin champion and Xavier Willison, who this week inked a contract extension to the end of 2027.

But for trialling props Matthew Koellner, VJ Semu and Tristan Powell, the chance to announce themselves as NRL options beckons, should they impress before the Christmas break.

“He’s coming off a little bit of an injury, but it’s nice to see him out on the field – he’s looking in great nick,” Maguire said of Haas.

“We know what he’s capable of as a footballer, but it’s nice to see a senior player here early around the players … I think that’s a good sign for the camaraderie within the group.

“Xavier’s a real up and coming. I’ve been watching Xav for quite some time and just his engine, he’s a quality player.

“He’s only young too, so he’s still learning his way around the field, and I’m looking forward to seeing his growth as we do things moving forward.”

The development group features two hookers in Souths Logan’s Callum Eggerling and rookie prospect Cameron Bukowski, with the latter in particular coming highly regarded. However, the pair have a limited path to the NRL at this stage.

Screenshot 2024 11 07 at 23 37 38 Brisbane Broncos The 16 men out to force Michael Maguires h

Screenshot 2024 11 07 at 23 38 13 Brisbane Broncos The 16 men out to force Michael Maguires h

Screenshot 2024 11 07 at 23 39 42 Brisbane Broncos The 16 men out to force Michael Maguires h

Screenshot 2024 11 07 at 23 40 03 Brisbane Broncos The 16 men out to force Michael Maguires h

Screenshot 2024 11 07 at 23 40 21 Brisbane Broncos The 16 men out to force Michael Maguires h

Screenshot 2024 11 07 at 23 40 33 Brisbane Broncos The 16 men out to force Michael Maguires h


Blake Mozer was a clear frontrunner in the Broncos’ fitness testing – seen winning many of the drills and barking orders at teammates to ensure they completed the exercises efficiently.

The 20-year-old, who showed impressive signs in the back half of the season, could emerge as a genuine chance to unseat incumbent dummy-half Billy Walters.

But for the duo seeking to convince Maguire they belong at the top level, it would take profound statements on the field and a roster shift to make that dream a reality.

Mozer, Walters, Tyson Smoothy and Cory Paix are already on the books as hooker options, and Maguire admitted he would need to assess the situation before making tough decisions on their futures.

“I probably won’t make too much comment around that, but obviously, you’re looking at the list,” Maguire said.

“I’ll assess that as we go moving forward.”

Sydney Morning Herald
 
Trew played for Souths not Burleigh.

West is a good player; he won Colts player of the year in 2023, but Tigers got flogged 40-0 in the Grand Final and he went to Pride and had a good year last year playing Cup. Zippy little fullback.

I called for Moore's move to the Broncos-I love a nuggety second rower.

Also Josh Allen and Ewen Moore from the Pride. Moore is a classic defender and massive reason no one is messing with the Pride. Allen no crap little bit more experienced middle but few injuries.

Not sure there is too many NRL games there, but hopefully someone can jump out.

The Pride have been ripped apart.
 
Shibasaki was literally the most cursed player I have seen play NRL when he played for us last, maybe he just can't play Infront of a crowd.
 
Shibasaki was literally the most cursed player I have seen play NRL when he played for us last, maybe he just can't play Infront of a crowd.
That guy could not catch a cold. He will fit right in with our back 5 error rate.
 
That guy could not catch a cold. He will fit right in with our back 5 error rate.
basically, from that list Perham is the standout that I feel could make our squad, that said I don't know that much about the rest outside shibasaki.
 

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