Defending premiers Brisbane Broncos will be out to go back-to-back in 2026 and create a dynasty to rival that of the club’s heyday in the 1990s.
Spurred on by a generational run of form from fullback Reece Walsh and fuelled by the seemingly limitless engine of forward leader Payne Haas, the Broncos ended a 19-year premiership drought with their win over Melbourne last season.
Now the hunted, Michael Maguire's men will have to deal with that pressure and expectation from their fans who had become accustomed to success, with the club now snaring seven titles, including their Super League win.
While the team's superstars stood up when it mattered on their way to the 2025 triumph, Maguire was also able to squeeze every last drop of potential from his unheralded players, with their contributions forming a basis for their success.
Reece Walsh's 2025 try-scoring season
The likes of Ben Talty, who was unlucky to miss the decider, and Gehamat Shibasaki – whose rise in his NRL return had to be seen to be believed – were pivotal in laying a platform for their stars to shine.
Helping in their quest, there has been minimal turnover in the off-season, with the side only farewelling forwards Kobe Hetherington (Sea Eagles) and Tyson Smoothy (Wakefield Trinity) from their grand final team.
At the same time, they have boosted their depth across the board with the addition of the versatile Grant Anderson from the Storm, emerging Tom Duffy from North Queensland Cowboys and imposing Aublix Tawha from cross-town rivals the Dolphins.
While Billy Walters is set to miss a fair portion of the season, he was vital to their 2025 success and will be a key inclusion when back on deck, making it interesting to see where Cory Paix may fit.
Overall, the club have strong depth and when their full complement of forwards are fit, there will be plenty of competition for spots.
Their backline also remains stacked following the inclusion of Anderson, despite losing Origin representative Selwyn Cobbo to the Dolphins. Māori All Stars star Jesse Arthars is working in the wings to earn back a starting spot.
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Best 17
1. Reece Walsh
2. Grant Anderson
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Deine Mariner
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Corey Jensen
9. Ben Hunt
10. Payne Haas
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Jordan Riki
13. Pat Carrigan
14. Billy Walters
15. Ben Talty
16. Xavier Willison
17. Aublix Tawha
