Broncos Left Holding the Bag as Coby Black Jumps Ship: Michael Maguire Breaks His Silence, Admitting Canberra’s Offer Was Too Big to Stand in Its Way as the Raiders Snatch the Young Halfback in a Move That Sets the Cat Among the Pigeons…see more ⤵️
Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire has spoken publicly after rising playmaker Coby Black was granted an early release from his contract, clearing the way for the teenager to join the Canberra Raiders a year ahead of schedule. While Maguire made it clear the Broncos valued Black highly, he admitted the club didn’t want to hinder the young half’s chance to accelerate his development elsewhere.
Black had already agreed to join Canberra from 2027, but the Raiders made a push to bring him south for the 2026 campaign. The 19-year-old indicated he was eager to make the switch sooner, opening the door for talks between the two clubs. On Tuesday, Brisbane confirmed they had agreed to let him walk away from the final year of his deal.
Canberra recruitment boss Chris Hutchison welcomed the move, saying the Raiders were thrilled to integrate Black into their system immediately. Hutchison highlighted the teenager’s rapid development, pointing out that he broke into the Queensland Cup at just 18 years of age, a sign of both his talent and maturity. He described Black as a player with technical polish and significant room to grow.
Maguire, for his part, stressed Brisbane’s desire to retain Black but acknowledged that the club could not offer the same opportunity that Canberra presented right now. He remarked that Black had been a pleasure to coach and expressed hope that they might reunite at some point later in their careers. The statement balanced disappointment with a sense of goodwill, emphasising the human element behind the decision.
Just months earlier, Maguire had publicly labelled Black the “future of the club,” viewing him as a natural successor to veteran halfback Adam Reynolds. But Brisbane’s recruitment strategy shifted quickly. The club secured Jonah Pezet on a three-year deal starting in 2027, creating uncertainty around where Black fit in the long-term structure. Brisbane also added emerging Cowboys half Tom Duffy for next season, injecting even more competition into the halves depth chart.
With Reynolds and Ezra Mam firmly entrenched as the Broncos’ first-choice pairing, Black’s prospects of consistent first-grade opportunities appeared limited. That reality shaped his growing interest in Canberra, where the path to a top-line role was far clearer.
The Raiders, meanwhile, are looking to reshape their spine after the departure of senior half Jamal Fogarty to Manly. Coach Ricky Stuart has previously indicated that promising youngster Ethan Sanders would be his preferred No.7 heading into 2026, partnering with Ethan Strange, who made major strides this past season. However, Black’s arrival adds another dynamic young option into the mix, ensuring a genuine competition for the crucial playmaking positions.
To make room for Black on their roster, Canberra released outside back Manaia Waitere, who has now signed with the Melbourne Storm. Waitere’s opportunities at NRL level were sparse, appearing just once in first grade during the final round of the most recent season when Canberra rested the bulk of their squad ahead of the finals. Despite being a key figure in their NSW Cup team, he struggled to climb the depth chart, prompting the Raiders to open a roster space for a more strategic acquisition.
Stuart earlier revealed that Black had been “very keen” to move ahead of schedule, praising his ambition and acknowledging that the Broncos were offering an environment rich with mentorship from experienced halves such as Reynolds and Ben Hunt. Stuart said that if Black stayed in Brisbane for another year, he would benefit from learning alongside elite organisers of the game. But if he arrived early, Canberra would have the advantage of beginning his development sooner.
In the end, the Raiders got the outcome they hoped for: the Queensland Under-19 Origin representative will join their squad a full year ahead of the original plan. His arrival gives Canberra even more depth and youth as they continue rebuilding their roster around a core of emerging talent.
For Black, the decision represents a major opportunity to accelerate his journey toward regular NRL football. At Canberra, he enters a system hungry for young leaders, one that has shown a willingness to trust their best prospects with significant responsibility. For the Raiders, bringing in a player with Black’s skillset—sharp game management, a strong kicking game, and natural composure—should only strengthen their long-term ambitions.
Meanwhile, Brisbane will recalibrate their halves structure without one of their brightest academy products. Though disappointed to see him leave, Maguire’s statement reflected pride in Black’s growth and reassurance that the Broncos wished him nothing but success.
In a league where playmakers are among the most valuable commodities, this early release signals a significant shift for both clubs. For Canberra, it’s an investment in their future spine. For the Broncos, it’s a difficult but pragmatic decision, made in the belief that young players shouldn’t be held back from the best opportunities available to them.
Black now steps into the next chapter of his career—one that begins a year earlier than expected, with the backing of a club eager to make him a central part of their plans.