Brisbane Broncos 2025 NRL season scouting report: Best 17, every player’s contract status, rookie watch

The Broncos are at a crossroad heading into 2025 thanks to multiple off-field controversies and Kevin Walters’ sacking. PETER BADEL reveals how Michael Maguire can reignite his talent-rich roster.

Broncos 2025 scouting report.

While Brisbane landed the recruitment coup of the off-season after luring Ben Hunt back to Red Hill, it will take more than one man to revive a club that criminally underachieved in 2024.

Plagued by multiple off-field dramas and the sacking of club legend Kevin Walters as head coach, Brisbane’s hierarchy is banking hard-nose mentor Michael Maguire to reignite the talent-rich roster in 2025.

First on Maguire’s to-do list will reworking Brisbane’s spine, with incumbent five-eighth Ezra Mam set for a lengthy stint on the sideline.

PETER BADEL answers the burning questions facing the club in his 2025 scouting report, while analysing the club’s free agency dealings.

Brisbane’s best 17 in 2025.

Free agency wrap

The Broncos have produced the buy of the off-season with former Dragons skipper Ben Hunt returning home to Red Hill. The Roosters and Dolphins went hard for Hunt but Brisbane’s acquisition makes them serious title contenders.

Hunt comes to the Broncos at a cost of around $550,000 a season and that’s sensational value for a Queensland Origin and Test matchwinner. His versatility gives Brisbane coverage at hooker, halfback and five-eighth.

They have also added former Bulldogs utility back Hayze Perham as potential back-up for superstar fullback Reece Walsh following the departure of Tristan Sailor to St Helens. The Broncos have also lost veteran wingers Corey Oates and Jordan Pereira to retirement but Brisbane have sufficient depth in the backline.

RATING: A

Coach status

Michael Maguire is as safe as Fort Knox. He arrives at the Broncos on a three-year deal following the shock sacking of Kevin Walters, who parted ways with Brisbane in September. The Broncos moved quickly to secure Maguire, who resigned as NSW Origin coach to take up the challenge of snapping Brisbane’s 19-year premiership drought.

Maguire is just the sixth coach in Brisbane’s 36-year history, which should underline the club’s preference for stability. However, he will be the fourth full-time clipboard holder in the past seven years, highlighting a rollercoaster era that has delivered a wooden spoon and a grand final appearance.

A premiership coach at Souths in 2014, Maguire wants immediate success at Red Hill, but Broncos bosses will back him to implement his own structures in 2025. A dismal season next year, however, and more pressure will be applied.

RATING: A

Likely debutants

Hulking front-rower Va’a Semu will be knocking on the door for an NRL debut next season. At 194cm and 110kg, Semu is a clone of Broncos chief enforcer Payne Haas and he clinched a development deal following an impressive debut campaign in the Hostplus Cup last season.

Semu played 18 games for Souths Logan and his coach, Broncos legend Karmichael Hunt, believes the prop is ready for an NRL baptism.

“He is a big, strong ball carrier with a good engine,” Hunt said. “He is pretty sound defensively for a big guy.”

Teenage halfback Coby Black could also get a brief taste of the top grade in the event of an injury crisis.

Former Broncos coach Kevin Walters with Va'a Semu. Picture: Supplied

Who takes the next step

Ezra Mam owes the Broncos big time. The flashy five-eighth could have easily been sacked by the Broncos for his car-crash and drug driving scandal last month.

When he does return to NRL action, Mam needs to start living up to his five-year, $4 million deal. His 2023 grand-final hat-trick is a distant memory.

The promising pivot had a disappointing 2024 campaign and he needs to step up next season or risk losing the No. 6 jumper to marquee recruit Ben Hunt.

Expect Mam to sharpen up in defence after being exposed without the ball last season.

Ezra Mam has a lot to prove. Picture: NRL Photos

THREE BURNING ISSUES

Is Adam Reynolds falling apart?

The Broncos skipper has been a magnificent signing for Brisbane but he had an injury-ravaged 2024 campaign and at age 34, there are fears he has reached breaking point.

Reynolds turns 35 in July and for Brisbane to be a genuine title contender, he has to stay fit. The 287-game halfback is the brains of Brisbane’s attack.

Adam Reynolds will be hoping 2025 is injury-free. Picture: Steve Pohlner

The Ben Hunt gamble

There is a view Hunt could be a risky signing at age 34 but if the Queensland Origin star produces his best form, he could be the final piece in Brisbane’s premiership puzzle.

Hunt is a proven matchwinner at State of Origin level and his appearance in the spine alongside Reece Walsh, Reynolds, Mam and Billy Walters should make the Broncos a top-four team.

Ben Hunt is back in maroon. Picture: Broncos Digital

Do Broncos ‘pack’ enough punch? 

Payne Haas is Brisbane’s superstar prop but the Broncos need to find a partner-in-crime upfront to support him.

Corey Jensen is solid but the Broncos will need more from rising bookend Xavier Willison, who is an athletic specimen, and bench forwards such as Kobe Hetherington and Fletcher Baker.

Haas, a remarkable metre eater, needs a more aggressive edge to spearhead Brisbane’s title charge.

Payne Haas needs a more aggressive edge. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Crystal ball

On paper, this is a formidable roster. The Broncos should have every reason to believe they can write-off 2024 and hit back immediately by winning the premiership next year.

Their playmaking spine oozes speed, composure and class and is as good as any in the league. Reece Walsh is primed to rediscover his mojo and centre Kotoni Staggs has developed into a matchwinning leader.

If Ben Hunt steps up in his twilight years, the Broncos will make the top four and position themselves for a title shot.

2025 odds

Winners: $9

Minor premiership: $7.50

Top 4: $2.25

Top 8: $1.30

Most losses: $81

*Odds courtesy TAB