NRL 2022: Brisbane Broncos season rankings, Corey Oates No. 1 and off-contract, Adam Reynolds, Payne Haas
He’s been Brisbane’s player of the year for three seasons, and wants a major pay rise. But Payne Haas wasn’t the Broncos’ best in 2022 - and it wasn’t close. Check out our player rankings.
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He has been ranked Brisbane’s best player of the year but rejuvenated winger Corey Oates remains without a contract for next season. Surely, the Broncos will come up with a new deal for Oates in the wake of his superb 2022 campaign. As the Broncos sift through the wreckage of their stunning fade out to miss the finals, NRL experts PETER BADEL and TRAVIS MEYN rate Brisbane’s top 25 players this season.
1. COREY OATES
Wing. Games: 22, Wins: 11. Key Stat: 20 tries and 158 metres per game. Contract status: Off-contract
What a season. What a comeback from the new king of Red Hill. Axed to the Queensland Cup last season, Oates hit back with a brilliant 2022 campaign, producing the best football of his 10-year career. Scored a career-best 20 tries and reclaimed his Queensland Origin jumper as Oates inspired the Broncos with his bruising kick returns. Incredibly, Brisbane‘s No. 1 player remains off-contract. The Broncos must sign him before an NRL rival such as the Dolphins snaps him up.
2. ADAM REYNOLDS
Halfback. Games: 20. Wins: 10. Key stat: 21 try assists. Contract status: Signed until end of 2024 Captain and star signing for 2022, Reynolds delivered bang for buck and played a key role in Brisbane’s resurrection. The little general was arguably in career-best form at one stage and took his teammates with him in a fantastic debut season at Red Hill.
3. PAT CARRIGAN
Lock. Games: 14, Wins: 8. Key Stat: 25 possessions per game. Contract status: Signed until end of 2024
Would have challenged for Brisbane‘s player of the year if he played more games. Suspension cost him late in the season but he was the ironman of Brisbane’s pack, averaging 132 metres and 28 tackles per game. Underlined his magical season by making his Origin debut and winning the Wally Lewis Medal in a dream first series for the Maroons.
4. PAYNE HAAS
Prop. Games: 20. Wins: 10. Key stat: 151m per game. Contract status: Signed until end of 2024
Brisbane’s No. 1 prop started the year strongly but picked up injuries in both shoulders which hurt his form in the back end of the season. Has won the Broncos’ Paul Morgan Medal the past three seasons but that run should end this year.
5. SELWYN COBBO
Wing. Games: 18, Wins: 9. Key Stat: 15 tries and 92 tackle busts. Contract status: Signed until end of 2025
One of the shining lights of Brisbane's season. Emerged as one of the NRL's hottest young prospects with a sensational early-season form burst which saw him clinch a Queensland Origin debut at the tender age of 20. Ran out of puff at the back end of the season but it is easy to see why the flying winger is rated Brisbane's version of Latrell Mitchell.
6. KOTONI STAGGS
Centre. Games: 23. Wins: 12. Key stat: 25 errors. Contract status: Signed until end of 2025
Started the year with a bang to earn a NSW Origin debut in Game One before being dropped for the remainder of the series. Had some explosive moments but too many quiet games and a lot of errors, however managed to play 23 matches in a robust season.
7. KURT CAPEWELL
Second row. Games: 19, Wins: 9. Key Stat: 77 minutes per game. Contract status: Signed until end of 2024
Key off-season recruit who added experience to Brisbane's pack. Punched out 19 games and 1463 minutes in his debut season at Red Hill. The Queensland Origin back-rower averaged 24 tackles per game and while he played injured at the back end of the season, his workrate and leadership were standout features.
8. TE MAIRE MARTIN
Fullback. Games: 13. Wins: 8. Key stat: 14 line break assists. Contract status: Leaving to join the Warriors
Didn’t expect to play one NRL game in 2022 as he returned from a brain injury let alone 13 and was one of Brisbane’s best after being thrust into fullback. Did a more than admirable job in the No. 1 jersey and won his first seven games. Was hospitalised following Brisbane’s final game of the season.
9. JORDAN RIKI
Second row. Games: 22, Wins: 13. Key Stat: 30 tackles per game. Contract status: Signed until end of 2024
Deserves a top 10 ranking for playing almost the entire season and was the only Bronco to feature in all 13 wins. Lacked punch at times in attack and was guilty of a high-error rate, but Riki underlined his work ethic with an average of 30 tackles per match – the best of any regular Broncos starter.
10. EZRA MAM
Five-eighth. Games: 13. Wins: 7. Key stat: 76m per game. Contract status: Signed until end of 2024
Burst on to the NRL in his debut season and showed why he is regarded as Brisbane’s long-term five-eighth. Was dropped for the last round but showed enough spark to secure the No. 6 jersey next season and has loads of improvement in him.
11. BILLY WALTERS
Utility hooker. Games: 23, Wins: 12. Key Stat: 51 possessions per game. Contract status: Off-contract
A commendable debut season at the Broncos for Walters. Started the season at five-eighth but became a mainstay as a hooking utility, missing only one game in an arduous 24-match season. Formed a handy hooking union with Cory Paix during Brisbane's seven-match winning streak and defended bravely for a smaller man. Deserves a contract extension.
12. KEENAN PALASIA
Prop. Games: 22. Wins: 12. Key stat: 1 missed tackle per game. Contract status: Signed until end of 2023
Overcame years of injury struggles to produce the best season of his NRL career. Only missed two matches and was a reliable forward for much of the year.
13. COREY JENSEN
Prop. Games: 18, Wins: 9. Key Stat: 102 metres per game. Contract status: Signed until end of 2023
An off-season recruit from the Cowboys and became an unsung hero of Brisbane‘s middle rotation. His 18 games was his most in a single season and when Payne Haas and Tom Flegler were out injured or suspended, Jensen stepped up admirably with some impressive starting performances.
14. HERBIE FARNWORTH
Centre. Games: 12. Wins: 9. Key stat: 10 tries. Contract status: Signed until end of 2023
Electric start to the season in which he was arguably Brisbane’s most explosive player before a serious biceps injury crushed his campaign at the halfway mark. Improved hugely on last year and will be a key player in 2023. Could have finished in Brisbane’s top three but missed half of the season.
15. KOBE HETHERINGTON
Utility forward. Games: 22. Wins: 12. Key Stat: 21 tackles per game. Contract status: Signed until end of 2023
Proved a capable understudy to Pat Carrigan. Missed just two games and when Carrigan was suspended or away on Origin duty, Hetherington expertly filled the breach with his work ethic and hitting power. It's no surprise the son of Origin legend Jason Hetherington gives 100 per cent. A valuable member of the top 17.
16. TESI NIU
Fullback. Games: 10. Wins: 4. Key stat: 55 tackle busts. Contract status: Signed until end of 2023
Was given first crack at fullback and played a few good games but never really made the jersey his own and struggled with a hamstring injury. Faces a crucial season in 2023 which could make or break his career.
17. TOM FLEGLER
Prop. Games: 18, Wins: 10. Key Stat: 31 tackle busts and 27 offloads. Contract status: Signed until end of 2023
A mixed bag from Flegler. There's no doubting his raw talent but of his 18 games, nine were off the bench. He should be a regular starting prop, but to realise his potential, the front-row firebrand has to cut out his ill-discipline and constant suspensions. At his best, Flegler can bust tackles and create second phase with his effective offloads.
18. JAKE TURPIN
Hooker. Games: 15. Wins: 5. Key stat: 28 tackles per game. Contract status: Departing
Started the first six rounds and then fell out-of-favour with coach Kevin Walters but managed to work his way back into the team and played 15 matches, providing reliable work at dummy-half. Is on the hunt for a new club after being shown the door by the Broncos.
19. CORY PAIX
Hooker. Games: 12. Wins: 9. Key Stat: 48 possessions per game. Contract status: Signed until the end of 2023
Showed touches of class in a promising season. Of his 12 games, Paix won nine and played a handy supersub role in Brisbane's brilliant winning streak mid-season. Overlooked for the final month but with Jake Turpin leaving the club, Paix has a golden chance to be Brisbane’s No. 1 hooker next season.
20. TYSON GAMBLE
Five-eighth. Games: 9. Wins: 8. Key stat: 89% win record. Contract status: Joining Newcastle.
Filled in at five-eighth mid-year and won eight straight games he played before suffering a leg injury. Made a cameo appearance against the Dragons in last round, his only loss of the year, and will join Newcastle next season.
21. RYAN JAMES
Prop. Games: 10. Wins: 6. Key stat: 22.6 tackles per game. Contract status: Retiring from NRL.
The former Titans captain had a one-season swan song with Brisbane and played a handy role during the Origin period. Speed of the modern game caught him out at times but contributed to Brisbane’s solid season before entering retirement.
22. DELOUISE HOETER
Centre. Games: 7. Wins: 3. Key stat: 107m per game. Contract status: Expires this year
Fought back from a seven-year NRL exile to provide crucial back-up support when the Broncos were short on numbers in the outside backs. Played with passion and didn’t let the team down but hasn’t got a contract for 2023.
23. BRENKO LEE
Centre. Games: 8. Wins: 4. Key stat: 79m per game. Contract status: Joining Dolphins.
After missing the entire 2021 NRL season, Lee got his career back on track and had some nice moments for the Broncos. A skilful player, injuries held him back in the latter end of the year.
24. RHYS KENNEDY
Prop. Games: 11. Wins: 7. Key stat: 4 errors. Contract status: Heading to Super League.
A no-fuss player, Kennedy contributed in nearly half of Brisbane’s games – all off the bench. Did a job and rarely made an error in his last NRL season before heading to England.
25. TC ROBATI
Back row. Games: 7. Wins: 4. Key stat: 8 possessions per game. Contract status: Signed until 2024.
Not a great season following his breakout 2021 campaign and struggled to get a run, last featuring in round 14. Didn’t touch the ball enough and needs to get more involved next year.
THE REST
Jamayne Isaako (12 games, joined Titans then Dolphins), Jordan Pereira (5, signed 2023), Albert Kelly (4, off-contract), Zac Hosking (4, joining Penrith), Tyrone Roberts (2, off-contract), Deine Mariner (2, signed 2024), Xavier Willison (1, signed 2025), Brendan Piakura (1, signed 2024).
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