Brisbane fans are restless, and with good reason. A string of listless defeats through May and June has dragged the Broncos from early-season contenders to mid-table uncertainty.
Last weekend’s 34–28 escape act against Cronulla halted the skid—but one stirring comeback won’t erase eight weeks of frustration. Saturday afternoon’s visit from the fourth‑placed One New Zealand Warriors feels less like a celebration and more like a referendum on where this squad—and head coach Michael Maguire—really stands.
Kick-off is 3:00 pm AEST on Saturday, 28 June at Suncorp Stadium.
Team news at a glance
The Broncos have named the same 17-player squad that edged the Sharks last round. Key personnel include Reece Walsh at fullback; the backline of Josiah Karapani, Kotoni Staggs, Gehamat Shibasaki, and Jesse Arthars; with the halves pairing Ezra Mam and captain Adam Reynolds. The forward pack features Corey Jensen, Cory Paix, and powerhouse Payne Haas flanked by Brendan Piakura and Jordan Riki, while Patrick Carrigan anchors the edge. The bench consists of Billy Walters, Kobe Hetherington, Xavier Willison, and Jack Gosiewski, with reserves Tyson Smoothy and Selwyn Cobbo listed in the 18.
The Warriors have made three changes for this clash. Ed Kosi returns on the wing, Rocco Berry slots into centre, and Kurt Capewell joins in the back row. Unfortunately for Auckland fans, Dallin Watene‑Zelezniak is sidelined with an ankle issue, and Moala Graham‑Taufa also misses out. The spine includes Charnze Nicoll‑Klokstad, Roger Tuivasa‑Sheck, Adam Pompey, Harris‑Tavita, Luke Metcalf, and James Fisher‑Harris, with Wayde Egan at hooker. Marata Niukore partners Fisher‑Harris in the middle before Capewell and Jacob Laban settle the edges. The bench features Te Maire Martin, Jackson Ford, Demitric Vaimauga, and Leka Halasima, who also serves as 18th man alongside Tanah Boyd.
No late withdrawals were reported in Friday’s 24‑hour cut-off, giving both sides a clean bill of health heading into the weekend.
Form guide & context
The Broncos had managed just one win in six matches prior to their dramatic comeback over Cronulla and conceded an average of 26 points across that bleak stretch. Their ladder position reflects the slump: firmly outside the top eight.
In contrast, the Warriors sit fourth with 24 competition points. Despite recent losses to Penrith and Melbourne, Andrew Webster’s men have claimed five wins from six matches on Australian soil this season, including Magic Round performances at Suncorp.
For those who missed last weekend’s rollercoaster, the official NRL highlight reel captures Walsh’s spark and defensive heroics in the dying stages.
Key battles to watch
- Reece Walsh vs. Charnze Nicoll‑Klokstad – Walsh’s dynamic support play and kicking will challenge CNK’s dependable defence and metres on return.
- Payne Haas & Patrick Carrigan vs. James Fisher‑Harris & Marata Niukore – Brisbane’s engine-room tired quickly during the slump; losing this contest early would intensify the pressure.
- Adam Reynolds vs. Luke Metcalf – Reynolds’ precision kicking and control will be pitted against Metcalf’s fresh legs and instinctive broken game.
Tactical snapshot
Maguire has slowed the Broncos’ tempo, emphasising direct carries from Jensen and Haas before shifting play wide to Walsh and Mam. Conversely, the Warriors will target edge defenders with Harris‑Tavita orchestrating multiple shifts and Capewell offering line-breaking threats. Both teams rank poorly in six‑again penalties, so discipline and structured sets will be key. Whoever sustains composure under pressure and avoids repeat ruck infringements should dominate field position.
What’s at stake for Brisbane
A win would pull the Broncos within striking distance of the top eight—and give coach Maguire a much-needed buffer in the eyes of a sceptical fan base. A lacklustre display, however, would confirm fears that last weekend’s comeback was more adrenaline rush than a genuine turning point. From Red Hill to Newmarket, the question is clear: can this team be trusted again? Saturday promises an answer.
How to follow
- Kick‑off: 3:00 pm AEST, Saturday 28 June
- Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Broadcast: Nine, Fox League, Kayo
Final word
The Broncos arrive burdened with pressure but buoyed by a flash of late-game fight. The Warriors come structured and composed—proven winners in Queensland territory. If Brisbane’s forwards can match the energy of Fisher‑Harris and Niukore over 80 minutes, Walsh and Mam may convert that grunt into points. But should the Warriors set the tone early, Suncorp could be less witness to redemption than resignation. This is more than a game—it’s the Broncos’ identity on trial.
Published 27-06-2025
