Cory Paix stars as Brisbane Broncos demolish Gold Coast Titans 50-12 in NRL Pre-Season Challenge

The forgotten man in the race to wear the No.9 jersey starred in the Broncos’ demolition of the Titans, with Michael Maguire’s DNA all over the impressive victory. PETER BADEL’s full analysis.

Two-try Cory Paix and Billy Walters combined superbly to deliver a one-two punch in the battle for hooking roles as the Broncos duo orchestrated a 50-12 belting of the Titans on Sunday.

Des Hasler’s 64th birthday celebrations turned to tears, with the Gold Coast coach left to lament a terrible performance as Paix and Walters terrorised the Titans in the NRL’s Pre-Season Challenge in Toowoomba.

Playing before his local folk, Paix was a late inclusion at hooker and the Toowoomba terrier was outstanding, scoring two early tries to provide the dummy-half thrust for Brisbane’s nine-try hatchet job.

The revitalised Paix was ably supported by Brisbane’s No.1 hooker Walters, who started at five-eighth and forged a dynamic halves pairing with Jock Madden to fire the Broncos to a 24-6 halftime lead.

New Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has five players vying for two hooking spots at Red Hill, but on this display, Paix has surged into the mix to support Walters for the Broncos’ premiership opener against the Roosters.

Cory Paix scores a double.

"(Des) won't be happy with that goal line defence there from the Titans"

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COMBINATIONS

With veteran halves Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt watching from the sideline, Walters and Madden had the Broncos machine purring like a Ferrari.

Madden produced a try assist with a pinpoint cross-kick for Deine Mariner, while Walters ignited Brisbane’s surge, setting up the opening try of the game for Gehamat Shibasaki.

Conversely, the Titans’ halves pairing of Kieran Foran and AJ Brimson were seen as often as the Loch Ness monster.

Foran gave away three penalties and Brimson was barely sighted as Madden and Walters took control.

RECRUIT WATCH

A mid-season transfer last year, Cowboys discard Jack Gosiewski has been touted as a back-row bolter for round 1.

Gosiewski started in the No.11 jumper and was solid without sufficiently dominating to apply pressure on incumbent back-rower Jordan Riki.

Forward teammate Tristan Powell, an off-season pick-up from the Storm, charged for 101 metres from nine runs. The 24-year-old has beefed-up Brisbane’s depth chart.

ROOKIE WATCH

Big Ben Te Kura could be a monstrous X-factor for the Broncos off the bench this season. The biggest man in the NRL at 205cm, the towering Te Kura set the tone early and complemented his 116 metres with a well-deserved try from close range in the 59th minute.

The Broncos have a front-row interchange spot up for grabs for round 1. Te Kura is banging down the door.

Ben Te Kura had a strong showing against the Titans. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

While Te Kura flexed his muscle in midfield, Jaylan de Groot had a glorious chance to impress at fullback for the Titans. The 22-year-old never stopped trying and scored a classy solo try 11 minutes from time.

Another fullback rookie, Brisbane young gun Latrell Siegwalt, crossed in the 46th minute and looks the goods, while Broncos prop Va’a Semu will have scans after injuring his shoulder in the 25th minute

HOT TAKE

The time-worn dictum is that defence wins premierships. Titles aren’t won in February, but it’s clear Maguire has injected a more desperate edge to Brisbane’s defence.

The Broncos produced a 22-0 shutout of Burleigh last week and kept the Titans scoreless for 39 minutes on Sunday.

Brisbane’s defensive principles are slick and their tryline attitude oozed hunger.

Maguire’s punishing pre-season is paying dividends.

The Broncos looked twice as fit as the labouring Titans, who had a disastrous start, trailing 18-0 after 22 minutes.

FINAL SAY

Granted, it’s only a trial, but Hasler should be filthy with his squad. This was a full-strength Titans team, but they lacked discipline and their defensive aptitude was disgraceful. They missed 42 tackles. If they play like this in 2025, they will finish in the bottom four.

Maguire’s Broncos clearly mean business and they have every reason to believe they are the real deal. Brisbane have the roster to win the premiership and snap Penrith’s golden dynasty.

Originally published as Cory Paix stars as Brisbane Broncos demolish Gold Coast Titans 50-12 in NRL Pre-Season Challenge