NRL Pre-Season Challenge: Entire Brisbane Broncos squad coming to Toowoomba for trial match against Gold Coast Titans

Brisbane skipper Adam Reynolds has hinted at a strong Broncos line-up taking the field in their Toowoomba trial match against the Titans this month, as the club sends its entire squad to the Garden City.

Brisbane Broncos captain Adam Reynolds says Toowoomba fans will catch several first-graders in action in the club’s Pre-Season Challenge match against the Gold Coast Titans at Clive Berghofer Stadium in a matter of weeks.

Tickets have nearly sold out for the highly-anticipated trial game on Sunday February 16, which serves as new Broncos coach Michael Maguire’s first outing against an NRL side.

The entire squad will be making the trip up the range, meaning fans will catch a glimpse of superstars Reece Walsh, Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan and newly-returning prodigal son Ben Hunt.

While the Pre-Season Challenge features prize money for the winning club, the two matches against the Titans and Bulldogs will be a chance for starters to test match fitness and fringe players to make their case for selection.

Adam Reynolds at Brisbane Broncos training at Red Hill, Monday, January 13, 2025 – Picture: Richard Walker

Newly-reinstated as skipper for 2025, Reynolds couldn’t confirm the exact line-up for the match but hinted at a fairly strong Broncos line-up against the Gold Coast.

“(Hooker) Cory Paix has been non-stop talking about it, the local hero, so I’m sure he’ll have some supporters up here,” the veteran halfback said while at a Toowoomba function last week.

“I’d say there would be a fair few (first-graders playing), I’m not quite across who will or won’t be playing (but) the whole squad will mix in with the town, which we’re really excited about.

“It’s a good opportunity to showcase the brand of football we want to play this year, to get up here in Toowoomba and do it in front of the locals (is great).

“There are a lot of great athletes who have come out of Toowoomba, so we’re excited to get out in front of everyone and showcase our skills.”

Reece Walsh and the Broncos squad will all be in Toowoomba for fan outreach. Picture, John Gass

Reynolds, who is closing in on 300 NRL games in 2025, started his career under “Madge” with the South Sydney Rabbitohs way back in 2012.

The 34-year-old said Maguire’s coaching style had remained consistent between those two eras.

“There are a lot of similarities, he’s a great coach who’s had a lot of success in a lot of different places,” Reynolds said.

“He’s proven he knows what he’s talking about, so it’s been a great pre-season.

“We’ve worked extremely hard as a playing group to turn around what was a disappointing season and everyone is excited for the season opener.”

Road closures around Clive Berghofer Stadium will be in effect both prior to and during the match:

• Saturday 15 Feb: Changed traffic conditions and local access only for Arthur Street.

• Sunday 16 Feb: Arthur Street, local access only from 6am to 8am. Full closure of Arthur Street from 8am to 6pm. Changed traffic conditions on Hawthrone Street between 8am and 6pm. Changed traffic conditions 6am to 6pm.