By Nick Wright
These are the men who have joined the Broncos fold, eager to prove to coach Michael Maguire they have the tools to thrive in the NRL.
On the club’s first day of preseason, 16 hopefuls – largely from the Queensland Cup – rocked up to launch the “Madge” regimen as “train and trial players” in the blazing Brisbane sun.
Headlining that list were NRL journeyman Gehamat Shibasaki, Melbourne Rebels rugby union convert Glen Vaihu and former Bulldogs fullback Hayze Perham.
Hayze Perham, pictured in action for the Bulldogs, is now in line to become Broncos fullback Reece Walsh’s new deputy.Credit: Getty Images
Despite the loss of four 2023 grand final heroes – Thomas Flegler, Herbie Farnworth, Kurt Capewell and Keenan Palasia – there was the belief at Red Hill they had the makings of a premiership side in 2024.
Instead, a 12th-place finish eventuated, as a concerning injury toll proved the club lacked the depth to remain a title contender.
That became clearer in the forward pack, as star enforcer Payne Haas was limited to just 14 games – ultimately undergoing Lisfranc surgery – and recruits Fletcher Baker, Jaiyden Hunt and Jack Gosiewski failed to inject the same spark.
Tristan Powell made his NRL debut for the Melbourne Storm this year, running for 113 metres and making 22 tackles off the bench.Credit: NRL Photos
Haas was spotted at training leading the rehab group ahead of his scheduled return, and Maguire will be hopeful of building his engine room around the State of Origin champion and Xavier Willison, who this week inked a contract extension to the end of 2027.
But for trialling props Matthew Koellner, VJ Semu and Tristan Powell, the chance to announce themselves as NRL options beckons, should they impress before the Christmas break.
“He’s coming off a little bit of an injury, but it’s nice to see him out on the field – he’s looking in great nick,” Maguire said of Haas.
“We know what he’s capable of as a footballer, but it’s nice to see a senior player here early around the players … I think that’s a good sign for the camaraderie within the group.
“Xavier’s a real up and coming. I’ve been watching Xav for quite some time and just his engine, he’s a quality player.
“He’s only young too, so he’s still learning his way around the field, and I’m looking forward to seeing his growth as we do things moving forward.”
The development group features two hookers in Souths Logan’s Callum Eggerling and rookie prospect Cameron Bukowski, with the latter in particular coming highly regarded. However, the pair have a limited path to the NRL at this stage.
Blake Mozer was a clear frontrunner in the Broncos’ fitness testing – seen winning many of the drills and barking orders at teammates to ensure they completed the exercises efficiently.
The 20-year-old, who showed impressive signs in the back half of the season, could emerge as a genuine chance to unseat incumbent dummy-half Billy Walters.
But for the duo seeking to convince Maguire they belong at the top level, it would take profound statements on the field and a roster shift to make that dream a reality.
Mozer, Walters, Tyson Smoothy and Cory Paix are already on the books as hooker options, and Maguire admitted he would need to assess the situation before making tough decisions on their futures.
“I probably won’t make too much comment around that, but obviously, you’re looking at the list,” Maguire said.
“I’ll assess that as we go moving forward.”
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