“Nothing hits harder than losing your own” – Broncos insiders brace for mega-money showdown as salary-cap squeeze threatens to push two stars out the door in a tense State of Play that has rattled Red Hill.
Blake Mozer is preparing to build on his nine NRL outings as he pushes for more time in Brisbane’s top squad heading into 2026.
COULD 2026 FAREWELL TWO GREAT VETERANS?
The question hovering over Red Hill is whether Adam Reynolds is approaching the final chapter of his distinguished career. His contract finishes at the end of 2026, and with rising half Jonah Pezet due to join the club in 2027, it looks increasingly possible that next season may be Reynolds’ last in Broncos colours—unless he chooses to continue elsewhere.
Though Reynolds doesn’t have the extensive representative résumé of some of the game’s modern greats, his longevity, precision and calm have earned him enormous admiration. Since claiming the Dally M Rookie of the Year in 2012, he has been one of the NRL’s premier halfbacks, guiding South Sydney to the 2014 title and steering the Broncos to premiership glory this year—ending an 11-year gap between championships for the veteran.
His match-turning kick that eliminated Penrith in the preliminary final will remain a favourite memory for Brisbane fans, and the emotional conversion from the sideline that ended the Panthers’ dynasty became one of the defining moments of the 2025 season.
However, Reynolds’ 2025 campaign was interrupted by injuries, including the calf strain that forced him out of the grand final. Although he is expected to captain the side in Round 1, there are natural worries over how much football his body will allow at age 35. When fully fit, he remains essential, but Brisbane—armed with Ben Hunt and strong hooking depth—may choose to carefully manage his workload.
Reynolds, though, isn’t overly concerned. He told Code Sports that he plans to attack 2026 with the same intent he has carried for 14 seasons, accepting risk as part of the job and backing the squad to cover him if needed.
Alongside Reynolds, Ben Hunt is also contracted until the end of 2026, though talk around his future hasn’t been as intense. Early indications suggest Hunt is leaning toward extending through 2027, and coach Michael Maguire is open to keeping him on. Maguire emphasised Hunt’s importance throughout the injury-hit 2025 season, particularly given his extensive experience and versatility.
At this stage, Hunt appears the more likely of the pair to play beyond next year.
CAMERON SMITH: BRISBANE’S NEW SECRET WEAPON
Fresh off winning the premiership in his debut year as Brisbane coach, Maguire has immediately strengthened the club’s coaching stocks by bringing in one of rugby league’s most decorated figures: Cameron Smith. The former Storm, Maroons and Kangaroos legend joins the Broncos in a mentoring capacity.
Reynolds described the move as “wonderful,” saying Smith’s elite knowledge and experience will be invaluable across the club. While Smith’s exact responsibilities are still being finalised, players expect to benefit hugely from his insight, preparation standards and understanding of high-pressure moments.
HOOKER DEPTH AND THE RISE OF MOZER
Brisbane are one of few clubs entering 2026 with genuine depth at dummy-half. Even with Tyson Smoothy departing and Billy Walters sidelined for much of the year, Maguire has several options. Ben Hunt is expected to start at hooker alongside Ezra Mam and Reynolds, while Cory Paix or Blake Mozer will likely fill the No. 14 role.
Paix, once out of favour, revived his career under Maguire and played 23 games—including starting in the grand final. His reliability gives him an early edge for the bench spot.
But Mozer is the wildcard. Highly regarded internally, the young hooker displayed flashes of brilliance in 2024 but missed NRL action in 2025 due to injury. If he dominates reserve grade early in 2026, he could apply enormous pressure on Paix for the interchange hooker position.
PAYNE HAAS AND THE CAP PRESSURE AHEAD
The Broncos celebrated their greatest season in nearly two decades, but success inevitably tightens salary cap breathing room. Retaining Payne Haas remains the club’s top priority. His 2025 form reached extraordinary levels, complementing Reece Walsh’s electric finals series.
Haas’ name quickly surfaced in R360 expansion rumours, with reports suggesting he was a major target for a massive $6 million contract. The NRL’s leadership even held direct talks with Haas to warn about committing to an unproven competition.
With R360’s launch now delayed, Brisbane appear better placed to re-sign their superstar middle forward, although several NRL clubs remain interested.