NRL Market Watch: Cory Paix re-signs with Brisbane Broncos as hooking battle heats up

The fierce battle to wear Brisbane’s No.9 jersey in 2023 has taken an interesting turn following the re-signing of a key contender. NRL Market Watch.

Cory Paix has signed a two-year extension. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty

Cory Paix has declared he is ready to be Brisbane’s long-term hooker after rejecting interest from NRL rivals to ink a two-year extension with the Broncos.

The Broncos will announce Paix’s retention on Wednesday with the rising rake knocking back offers from two Sydney-based clubs as he sets his sights on being Brisbane’s dummy-half dynamo for the next decade.

Paix and Billy Walters are locked in a fierce battle to win the starting hooking spot for Brisbane’s premiership opener against premiers Penrith on Friday week.

But Paix’s decision to ink an upgrade until the end of 2025 is evidence of not only his commitment to the Broncos, but a burning self-belief that he can hold off Walters and teenage sensation Blake Mozer to be Brisbane’s No.1 hooker.

“It’s great to have my future sorted - there’s no other place I would rather be,” Paix said.

“I certainly love the Broncos, I started here in the juniors, so I had no intentions of leaving and there’s a lot I want to achieve here.

“I now feel I belong in the NRL at hooker.

“I have been here through the tough times and now we are in a position where we can do something as a club and I want to be a key part of that.

Cory Paix has signed a two-year extension. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty

“For the last few years, I have been coming off the bench and now as I’m getting a bit older, I’d like to move into that starting role at hooker to complement ‘Reyno’ (halfback Adam Reynolds), Ezra (Mam, five-eighth) and Reece Walsh (fullback).

“I feel like I can do that and really take the team with me.”

A Cooper Cronk-lookalike, Paix came through the grades as a five-eighth or halfback, drawing comparisons to the Melbourne legend with his stocky frame, handy kicking game and organisational ability.

But four years ago, the Broncos believed Paix was better suited to dummy-half and began a conversion process that saw the former Queensland under-20s captain make his NRL debut at hooker against the Roosters in 2020.

The 23-year-old has since amassed 29 top-grade games over the past three seasons, but after starting just nine times, Paix is primed to make a statement, mindful of the pressure being applied by Walters and Mozer.

“There’s a number of reasons to be on my toes here,” Paix said.

“Blake Mozer is a great young player and there’s a lot of wraps on him, he has a big future at hooker, but I’m only 23 so I’m still young myself.

“With Billy, there’s a bit of competitiveness there. We’re in a professional sport and Billy is a great bloke, but at the end of the day, we both want the same thing and it will come down to who does the job properly.

“We both know where we stand with ‘Kevvie’ (coach Kevin Walters).

“I am happy to be in the 17 each week but ultimately I want to be starting and I’m sure Billy feels the same way.

“There’s no bad blood at all, we actually get on well, but ultimately we want what’s best for the team.

Paix was impressive in last week’s trial against the Cowboys with his pace around the rucks. Walters concedes he has a big call to make at hooker - Brisbane’s most contentious spot.

“Both the boys (Paix and Walters) have done well in the trials,” he said.

Billy Walters. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty

Blake Mozer. Picture: Liam Kidston

“Their defence was much better (against the Cowboys), they showed some good style out of dummy half.

“Billy and Paixy have been fighting it out, so myself and the rest of the coaches will make a decision in the next couple of weeks.”

Underlining Paix’s desire to win the No.9 jumper, the former playmaker came back to pre-season early to hit the ground running.

“I started my training a lot earlier so I could come back fit and get the jump on everyone,” he said.

“I made that sacrifice instead of going out and having a good time.

“It was also the fact I was filthy with how I ended last year and I wanted to start pre-season off with a bang.

“To do what I need to do at hooker, I needed to be fitter, so I came back early to training and I’m seeing the rewards and can feel the benefits of that training.”