Melbourne Storm Eyes Broncos Young Gun Amid NRL Shake-Up
The NRL landscape is once again stirring with speculation as Melbourne Storm emerges as a possible destination for Brisbane Broncos academy star Coby Black, following Jonah Pezetโs decision to depart the Storm ahead of the 2026 season. The news of Pezetโs move has triggered a domino effect across clubs, sparking intrigue about potential player shifts and reshuffles heading into the next few seasons.
According to rugby league great Corey Parker, Melbourne could make a strategic move for the highly rated Black, whose future in Brisbane now looks uncertain. Pezet, a talented 22-year-old halfback, is set to join the Parramatta Eels for the 2026 season before reportedly sealing a big-money transfer to the Brisbane Broncos in 2027โa move that has stunned both fans and analysts.
Pezetโs Path: From Storm to Eels, Then Broncos
Jonah Pezet has long been viewed as one of the NRLโs most promising young halves. However, with Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes firmly entrenched in Melbourneโs halves combination, Pezetโs opportunities at the Storm have been limited to just 18 games. Seeking more playing time, the young playmaker reportedly chose Parramatta as a short-term home before transitioning to Brisbane, where he is expected to take over from veteran Adam Reynolds.
The arrangement has puzzled many, particularly Eels supporters questioning the logic behind signing Pezet for only a one-year stint. Still, the move positions him well for a long-term Broncos career, where he could step into Reynoldsโ role once the veteranโs career winds down.
But Pezetโs eventual arrival in Brisbane raises pressing questions about the clubโs internal development plansโspecifically, what it means for Coby Black.
Coby Blackโs Future in Question
At just 19, Coby Black is considered one of Brisbaneโs brightest young prospects. The club has been grooming him for years as a potential long-term halfback, with even Broncos legends such as Darren Lockyer and Ben Hunt mentoring him through his early development. Blackโs performances at the academy and in representative football, including standout displays in the Under-19 State of Origin, earned him a reputation as a rising star destined to inherit the Broncosโ No. 7 jersey.
However, Pezetโs pending arrival in 2027 appears to complicate those plans. With Brisbane likely to prioritize their incoming recruit as the future of their halves, Black may find himself squeezed out of the rotation. The situation has prompted speculation that the youngster could seek opportunities elsewhereโperhaps in Melbourne, where he could follow a development trajectory similar to Pezetโs.
Corey Parker Backs Storm Move
Broncos legend and commentator Corey Parker believes that if the Storm decide to pursue Black, it could prove a win-win scenario for both parties. Speaking on SEN Radio, Parker explained that Melbourne could provide the ideal environment for Blackโs growth, particularly given the Stormโs proven track record of nurturing young playmakers.
โThey might need Black for depth, but Iโm not sure where he could end up,โ Parker said. โIf someone came knocking for Coby Black, I donโt think the Broncos would stand in his way. The Melbourne Storm could absolutely have a crack at recruiting him.โ
Black is currently off contract at the end of 2026, giving rival clubs a window to begin negotiations within the next year. If he determines that his development and career trajectory are better served elsewhere, Melbourne could offer him the platform to evolve under the tutelage of Craig Bellamy, widely regarded as one of the best in developing young talent.
Experts Suggest Exit Could Come Sooner
Parker isnโt alone in his prediction. Journalist Michael Carayannis echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Blackโs exit might occur even sooner than expected. โThe interesting one is Coby Blackโthis young gun prodigy whoโs been earmarked for a long time to be the Broncosโ halfโsurely he doesnโt stick around,โ Carayannis remarked on SEN. โHeโs off contract at the end of next yearโฆ Iโd be surprised if he even starts the season there.โ
Carayannis also pointed out the Broncosโ already crowded playmaking group, including Reynolds, Ezra Mam, Billy Walters, and the experienced Ben Hunt, who returned to the club in a mentoring role. With that much depth in the halves, Blackโs path to consistent first-grade action seems increasingly blocked.
โIf Iโm Brisbane, why would you keep him now?โ Carayannis continued. โYou can clear a little bit of cap space. They donโt really need him in the short term.โ
Lockyerโs Earlier Praise Highlights Whatโs at Stake
Earlier in 2025, Darren Lockyerโone of the most respected figures in Brisbaneโs historyโspoke glowingly about Blackโs development. On the QLDER show, Lockyer noted that Black was โpretty impressive in Q Cupโ and was learning directly from Adam Reynolds, a key step in his growth as a professional halfback.
โThe spine long term, I think thereโs a couple of players there,โ Lockyer said. โThereโs a young kid called Coby Black coming through. He will have another year under his belt while Adamโs there, and heโs learning from him. You donโt replace Adam overnightโit takes time.โ
Lockyerโs assessment painted Black as the natural heir to Reynoldsโ leadership in the halves. But Pezetโs looming arrival may upend that narrative, leaving the young playmaker with a career-defining decision to make.
Melbourneโs Opportunity
Should Melbourne Storm follow through with Parkerโs prediction, the move could align perfectly with the clubโs long-term vision. With Munster and Hughes both approaching the latter stages of their careers, securing a promising young half like Black could ensure the Storm remains competitive deep into the next decade.
Under Bellamyโs structured systemโrenowned for transforming promising athletes into polished professionalsโBlack could refine his game, gain invaluable experience, and be ready to take the reins when the time comes. The clubโs culture of discipline and excellence could provide exactly the type of environment a young playmaker needs to thrive.
Conclusion
As the NRL offseason approaches, the storylines surrounding Jonah Pezet and Coby Black exemplify the ever-evolving chessboard of professional rugby league. Pezetโs decision to chart a new path may open the door for Black to explore one of his ownโpotentially in Melbourneโs purple jersey.
For now, the Broncos find themselves with an abundance of playmaking options but an impending dilemma about how to manage them. Meanwhile, the Stormโnever shy about strategic recruitmentโmay be quietly preparing to swoop in, ensuring their future halves are as formidable as ever.
One thing is certain: the next few seasons could reshape not just the careers of these two young stars, but the balance of power across the NRLโs elite clubs.
