NRL legend Sam Thaiday’s blunt warning, Broncos hopes in 2025
Former Brisbane Broncos hardman Sam Thaiday has issued a blunt warning as he prepares to step outside of his comfort zone.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Brisbane Broncos legend Sam Thaiday has delivered a blunt warning as he prepares to step outside of his comfort zone.
The former NRL star is set to pull on the khaki after being unveiled as a contestant on this year’s edition of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and he’s not planning on entering the jungle just to make up the numbers.
Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.
Thaiday is out to do what no other former NRL player has done, be the last man standing and take out Channel 10’s reality show.
Across 10 seasons of the show, only two NRL players have appeared with Paul Harragon holding top honours after finishing second to Brendan Fevola back in 2016.
Thaiday, 39, is adamant he’s going to go one better than the man known as The Chief as he put his fellow contestants on notice.
“Oh I love the Chief, but I can one hundred per cent go better. I can win the whole thing and you know be crowned the king of the jungle,” Thaiday said to news.com.au.
The 304-game NRL star’s time away from home won’t be easy, but he knows when it comes time for challenges his history of pre-seasons will hold him in good stead.
“I’ve been put in a lot of unpleasant situations before,” Thaiday said.
“You do any of those NRL army camps that they used to put us through, Wayne Bennett would make sure that they really tested us out.
“I played football against some of the biggest dudes around and some of the best players.
“So I’ll just make sure I’m the guy putting my hand up coming off the back fence.”
The reality TV show can see contestants spend up to a month in the uncomfortable surrounds of the jungle and there are several things that Thaiday is going to miss more than most — outside of his family.
“The ability to walk past the fridge and grab a bit of beef jerky out of there, even just something as simple as some nice cheese and biscuits,” he said.
“I’m a foodie, I love my food.
“I’m also a huge one for Netflix, it’s my downtime.
“I get the girls to bed of a night-time and my wife, Rachel, she works pretty early so I get at least an hour or two to watch some type of show on Netflix so I’m sure I’ll miss that too.”
While he hung up his Broncos boots following the 2018 season, Thaiday remains a loyal fan to his former club and is hoping that in 2025 they can turn things around.
“Last year was, was a tough year to watch the Broncos play, especially after what was a really successful year before coming within minutes of winning a grand final.
“But you know, sometimes tough decisions have to be made, and I feel for Kevin (Walters) in that sense.
“I think the way Madge (Michael Maguire) is setting them up for the season, I’m sure they’ll have the ability to bounce back a lot easier.”
Maguire has had his hands full after the veteran coach put pen to paper on a four-year deal in October after the club axed Kevin Walters.
The club was thrown into the spotlight when star playmaker Ezra Mam was charged over a head-on collision which ultimately saw him cop a nine-game NRL ban.
Thaiday knows the loss of Mam until the club’s round 10 encounter against South Sydney will be a big hurdle, but one they can overcome.
“It’s a huge loss, he’s a key playmaker. He will be missed to start the season,” Thaiday said.
“The Bronx will have to make sure they get off to a great start. I think, in hindsight, the signing of Ben Hunt is going to be absolutely incredible.
“But you know, Ezra knows that he made a huge mistake and he has a fantastic opportunity this season to write a few wrongs.
“I’m sure he’s going to have to earn his right to get back into that team as well.”
I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! Premieres Sunday 19 January At 7.00pm on 10 and 10 Play.
Originally published as NRL legend Sam Thaiday’s blunt warning, Broncos hopes in 2025
Join the conversation
Players shocked as Jillaroos Vegas camp cancelled last minute
A Jillaroos camp has been called off in mysterious circumstances and the players have been left with no answers, leaving preparations for the historic Test match in Las Vegas in chaos.
Read more
New look, new mission: Galvin on Tigers future, Luai, fresh ink
Lachlan Galvin has a new look, new ink and a new halves partner for the 2025 season. Is it the signs of new beginnings at the Wests Tigers? Hear from the teen star on his Tigers future, Jarome Luai and more.
Read more