Brisbane Broncos 2025 NRL season preview
2024 recap
After a Grand Final appearance in 2023, expectations were understandably high at the Broncos in 2024, but they fell well short of a top eight spot.
In a troubled campaign on and off the field, they never strung more than three wins in a row together, and one win from nine matches between rounds 12 and 22 did most of the damage.
There was still more drama to come after the season finished too, with coach Kevin Walters getting sacked and young star Ezra Mam coming dangerously close to having his contract ripped up for a drug driving crash.
2024 position: 12th
Key signings
Ben Hunt (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Key departures
Ethan O’Neill (Leigh Leopards), Corey Oates (retired), Jordan Pereira (retired), Tristan Sailor (St Helens)
Players to watch
Reece Walsh had a stop-start year in 2024, and he needs to bounce back this year if the Broncos are to get back into finals contention. He was virtually unstoppable during the club’s run to the Grand Final in 2023, and on his day he’s arguably the best fullback in the NRL. If he finds that form again, Brisbane could be Premiership contenders.
The same can be said for Adam Reynolds too. The club captain missed a large chunk of the year through injury in 2024 and he was sorely missed. With his old Premiership-winning coach – Michael McGuire – now at the helm, this could be Reynolds’ last chance to lead the Broncos to a Premiership, and if he stays fit, they’re in with a chance.
Young gun
Israel Leota could be the next breakout star at the Broncos this year. The 20 year-old centre has been shining in the age grade sides, and been called up for the Queensland under 19’s the past two years. This year he’s been named in Brisbane’s top 30 squad for the first time, so a first grade debut could be right around the corner.
Our prediction – 4th
I have a sneaky feeling the Broncos will rocket back into Premiership contention this year. New coach Michael McGuire was the perfect replacement for club legend Kevin Walters, and having won Premierships in England and Australia, plus an Origin series win in 2024 with NSW, he’s got all the credentials to get Brisbane back into the top eight as a minimum.
