Emerging Broncos playmaker Coby Black set to broker an urgent release to join Raiders
Teenage sensation Coby Black wants out of the Broncos immediately, with the playmaker set to broker an urgent release to join the Raiders for the 2026 pre-season.
Boom Brisbane playmaker Coby Black is set to broker an urgent release from the Broncos to start a new chapter at the Raiders.
Code Sports understands Black wants out of the Broncos immediately and could find himself in the nation’s capital for the 2026 pre-season.
A fortnight ago, the teenage sensation inked a two-year deal with the Raiders with a view to joining the reigning minor premiers from 2027 after seeing out the final year of his Broncos contract in 2026.
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart was happy with that arrangement, believing Black could benefit from another 12 months learning his trade under Broncos veterans Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt.
But the situation has changed dramatically and Black could be in Raiders colours this summer if his management can formally negotiate a release from the Broncos in the coming days.
The 19-year-old is unlikely to play first grade at the Broncos this season, but there is a chance he could make his NRL debut in Canberra next year following the departure of veteran halfback Jamal Fogarty to Manly.
Ethan Sanders is the frontrunner to wear the Canberra No.7 jumper next season alongside classy pivot Ethan Strange, who had a superb 2025 campaign.
Black was being groomed as Reynolds’ successor at the Broncos, but coach Michael Maguire’s decision to sign Storm sensation Jonah Pezet for 2027 convinced the Queensland under-19s halfback to chase his NRL dreams at Canberra.
Stuart is one of the greatest halfbacks in rugby league history and the former NSW and Australia No.7 says Black has what it takes to be a long-term playmaker in the nation’s capital.
“I see a good organising halfback in Coby,” Stuart told Code Sports last week.
“He plays on the ruck, we have a running style of team and I see him in a very similar style to Ethan Sanders (Canberra’s other halfback option)
“They both like to own the ruck and they have runners outside them.
“Coby is the style of halfback that will suit the way we play because we have runners on the edges.
“We need a halfback to control the ruck and get the ball to our runners out wide.
“I also like Coby’s boot, he has a very strong kicking game.
“He is only young but as time goes forward we will be in a position to keep coaching and teaching him.
“As we have shown before at this club, I’m not afraid to give youth a chance and then it’s up to them.
“I’m not a coach who doesn’t have the courage to play a kid. If he shows me he is physically and mentally ready, I will pick him.
“We will give Coby Black every opportunity to succeed.”
Stuart originally said he would be content for Black to stay at the Broncos next season, but that now appears unlikely.
“We have signed him for 2027 and I am happy for him to be learning under the guidance of Adam Reynolds who Coby has a great relationship with,” Stuart said.
“It’s only going to be better for Coby to be learning under Adam and Ben Hunt, it will be good for his maturity and growth.
“I don’t expect him earlier. He is only 19 so he’s got plenty of time to develop.
“We’re about developing a player off the field as much as on it. My attitude is that better men become better footballers.
“We are one of the best clubs in the competition at looking after players’ welfare.
“I understand it’s a big move for Coby, I know he is a good young man and we will look after him.”
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Originally published as Emerging Broncos playmaker Coby Black set to broker an urgent release to join Raiders
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