Broncos and Lions unite: Brisbane’s premiership powerhouses join in cross-code training session
A host of new recruits and rising Broncos stars have been put through their paces at a unique cross-code training session, as Brisbane’s two premiership winners united at the Lions’ training facilities.
Two codes, two premierships, one town.
After bringing Brisbane together in a history making celebration with dual premierships in October, NRL champions the Broncos and AFL flag winners Lions are combining their powers again for a pre-season training boost.
A group of rising young Broncos players who have returned to the paddock met up with the Lions at their training base for a cross-code kicking session.
Using a combination of Sherrins and Steedens at the multimillion-dollar purpose built facility in Springfield, players were tested under the high balls while sharpening their accuracy with the boot.
Two-time Norm Smith Medallist Will Ashcroft was there for the Lions, as well as Kai Lohmann and Jack Payne, while rising Broncos Phillip Coates and Antonio Verhoeven were put through their paces during their first NRL pre-season.
Australian schoolboys star and budding outside back Verhoeven impressed with his leap, furthering the excitement around his ability after recently signing with the Broncos through until the end of 2027.
Coates, the younger brother of Melbourne star Xavier, is just 19 and is on the Broncos development list for 2026.
Bearing a striking resemblance to his older brother, there’s high hopes for Coates who will push for an NRL debut with the Broncos this season and is considered one of the brightest young teens in the game.
The cross-code session was a huge opportunity to develop their skills with the premiers and mix with AFL’s elite in a new environment.
The budding partnership between he clubs is unique for the two Brisbane powerhouses, who have united the city in success in 2025, winning the NRL, NRLW and AFL titles.
The training session was so successful another is scheduled for the new year with plans to build on the relationship.
Speaking to the Lions’ players and staff, Broncos coach Michael Maguire said the momentum of their AFL win helped carry the Broncos to the grand final and eventually snap a 19-year premiership drought with their win over Melbourne.
“I can’t emphasise enough the influence you had on us over the last 12 months,” Maguire said.
“So I just wanted to say thanks boys, in front of you all, because it helped us basically get the Broncos through to the grand final.
“And obviously you guys inspired us doing it the week before, and we were able to get Brisbane alive, the way it was.
“It was pretty enjoyable time, seeing you guys win and riding that wave into our game it definitely influenced us as well. So I just wanted to say a big thank you from us.”
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Originally published as Broncos and Lions unite: Brisbane’s premiership powerhouses join in cross-code training session
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