The Broncos’ huge first half last week against the previously impenetrable Bulldogs defence, without Reece Walsh, was a massive momentum shift for Madge Maguire’s men in the 2025 Premiership race.
The contribution of Payne Haas, who had five offloads and ran 261m, was once again vital. Adam Reynolds controlled distribution masterfully and won’t be retiring this year, which will require some budget juggling for the Broncos. Frankly, he helped unlock one of the all-time dominant defences, and so if you can still do that at the age of 34, why wouldn’t you keep going?
Reynolds has had a tough week, with a minor shoulder injury from the Bulldogs game and an infection, but he is fit to play. He is within 3 points of taking second spot in the all-time Premiership point scoring list from Hazem Al Masri.
The Panthers currently hold the wooden spoon, hero to zero for the team that has won the last 4 Premierships. They haven’t been bottom since round 25 in 2007.
They went down 10-26 at home to the Sea Eagles last week, following their dominant win against the Roosters.
Luke Garner returns from a concussion protocol for the Panthers and replaces Casey McLean. Tom Jenkins plays on the wing. Scot Sorensen will serve a three-game suspension and be replaced by Isaiah Papali’i. Jordan Riki will return for the Broncos, and Brendan Piakura will move to the interchange.
The biggest game of the Magic Round kicks off at 4:05 p.m. on Sunday, and Suncorp will be electric. The game will be broadcast on Nine, Kayo and Foxtel.
ACTIVATIONS FOR MAGIC ROUND AT SUNCORP
In addition to the Steeden activation, we will hand out brand-new three-footies of a brand-new size in exchange for any old sports ball(basketball, netball, AFL, NRL, football—any ball).
Other activations at Suncorp include:
The Harvey Norman Hub
The Westpac Catch & Keep
Red Bull and Levels present
Youi Fan Cam & Sign Station
The Chemist Warehouse – Fan Run On and Tackle Course
The Telstra Trophy Zone
The Hisense Commentary Box
See more about the activations halfway down this page:
Published Date 03-May-2025
