The Foo Fighters are returning to Brisbane for the first time since 2023, with Suncorp Stadium in Milton set to host the band on Thursday, November 5 as the opening night of their Take Cover Australian and New Zealand stadium tour.
The announcement has been building for weeks, following the band’s history-making one-off concert in Launceston in January 2026, where Dave Grohl promised the crowd the Foos would be back sooner than expected. The band has now locked in nine stadium dates, kicking off in Brisbane in November 2026 before heading across the country and wrapping up in Perth in January 2027. The Brisbane show will open the tour.
For Milton locals and the broader inner-Brisbane community, Suncorp Stadium is a well-worn venue for big rock nights. The Foos have played the ground before on their 2023 run, and the familiarity of the setting is part of the appeal: a stadium that functions as a genuine community gathering point, not just a concert shed.
A New Album and a New Era
The timing of the tour could not be better for fans hungry for fresh material. The band’s 12th studio album, Your Favorite Toy, is due for release on April 24, ahead of the Take Cover tour dates. The band recorded the album at home and co-produced it with Oliver Roman. It marks their first studio release with new drummer Ilan Rubin, who joined after Josh Freese left the band in 2025.
Supporting Acts and a Regional Flavour
Dave Grohl has described the new record as featuring noisy, loud bangers that are uptempo and reminiscent of the band’s earlier work. The title track, already streaming now, pairs crunchy guitars with a propulsive rhythm and an infectious chorus. By November, Brisbane audiences will have had seven months to get to know the new material, and the setlist is set to mix it with three decades of favourites — from Everlong and The Pretender to whatever the Foos choose to unleash from the new record.
The Brisbane show features local and national supports in Full Flower Moon Band, a Brisbane act, alongside Byron Bay’s Mini Skirt. The Foos have handpicked 16 different Australian and New Zealand acts across the full tour, reflecting the band’s long-standing commitment to giving emerging local artists a platform on the biggest possible stages.
The tour is notable for including concerts in Townsville and Newcastle alongside the major capitals, giving regional audiences a rare chance to see one of rock’s biggest drawcards without travelling to Sydney or Melbourne. The Foo Fighters have made 15 visits to Australia to date, and have shifted over 1.8 million records in the country, with nine number one albums.
How to Get Tickets
A Frontier Members presale opens on Monday, February 23 at noon Queensland time. General public tickets go on sale Wednesday, February 25 at noon. The Brisbane show is a licensed all-ages event. Full ticket and tour information is available here.
If you weren’t at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night (14-March) for the Round 5 clash of the Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific season, you missed a match that redefined the “game of two halves” cliché.
For 60 minutes, the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs played a brutal, box-kicking slugfest that threatened to boil over in the humid Brisbane air. Territory battles. Endless kicks from the base. Defensive lines refusing to budge.
Then the Cauldron erupted.
Five tries in the final 20 to 22 minutes carried the Reds to a 26–17 win over their oldest rivals — a third straight victory, revenge for the 36–12 Round 1 loss in Sydney, and the clearest sign yet that this Queensland side is growing up fast.
Another chapter in the 141-year rivalry between Queensland and New South Wales had been written — and this one belonged to the Reds.
The night opened with a flash of attacking promise.
Just seven minutes in, Wallabies captain Harry Wilson crossed for the first try of the night after a Carter Gordon bomb caused confusion in the Waratahs backfield. Jock Campbell swooped on the loose ball and slipped a short pass to Wilson in support for the opener.
The Waratahs answered soon after.
Following sustained pressure on the Queensland goal line, flanker Jamie Adamson burrowed over in the 17th minute to level the score at 7–7.
Then the match locked into a stalemate.
For the next 40 minutes, the contest became a territorial arm-wrestle dominated by box kicks and defence. The Waratahs held the majority of possession and territory, but every time they probed inside the Reds’ half they ran into a wall of maroon jerseys.
By full-time, Queensland had made around 184 tackles compared with just over 100 for New South Wales — a defensive effort that kept the game within reach.
Fraser McReight, Seru Uru and the Reds’ forward pack repeatedly slowed the breakdown and disrupted the Waratahs’ attacking rhythm.
It wasn’t flashy rugby.
But it kept Queensland in the fight.
When the Match Finally Broke Open
The stalemate finally cracked in the 58th minute.
A Waratahs lineout five metres from the Reds’ goal line turned into a driving maul, with reserve hooker Ioane Moananu grounding the ball to give the visitors a 12–7 lead.
After nearly an hour of stalemate, the game suddenly burst into life.
Carter Gordon struck back for Queensland minutes later, finishing off a phase that began with a slicing midfield run to level the score at 12–12.
But the Waratahs responded almost immediately.
Max Jorgensen streaked down the right sideline before toeing the ball ahead toward the corner. The kick bounced dangerously and Harry Potter arrived first to ground it, restoring the Waratahs’ lead at 17–12.
The match had finally opened up. And the Reds were ready.
What had been a tactical chess match was suddenly a free-flowing shootout.
Isaac Henry’s Redemption Moment
With the Waratahs leading and the match entering its final ten minutes, the Reds produced the play that turned the contest.
Attacking from deep inside their own half, Queensland shifted the ball wide before Filipo Daugunu sliced through the defensive line and sprinted into open field.
Forty metres later, he found Isaac Henry in support.
Henry finished the movement beside the posts, completing a spectacular long-range try and giving the Reds a 19–17 lead.
For Henry, the moment carried extra significance.
After a brutal run of injuries involving his foot, hamstring and knee, the try marked a triumphant return for a player many feared might never regain his place in the Reds midfield.
Suncorp Stadium roared.
But the drama was far from over.
The TMO Moment That Flipped the Game
Just minutes later, the Waratahs thought they had stolen the lead.
Centre Triston Reilly launched into a spectacular dive for the corner and appeared to ground the ball for a crucial try. The on-field referee initially awarded it.
Then the Television Match Official intervened.
After reviewing the replay, the try was overturned with the ball ruled to have touched the sideline during the grounding.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar was left fuming after the match.
“If the referee awards a try, unless it’s clear and obvious, it stays a try,” McKellar argued afterwards.
Instead of taking the lead, the Waratahs were suddenly defending again.
Two minutes later, the Reds delivered the knockout blow.
The Implication of That TMO Moment
The match’s biggest flashpoint came in the 73rd minute with the Reds leading 19–17.
Waratahs centre Triston Reilly launched into an acrobatic dive in the right corner
that initially looked like the go-ahead try. Referee Ben O’Keeffe awarded it on-field
before the Television Match Official called for a review.
After multiple replays, the TMO overturned the decision, ruling that the ball had
touched the sideline as Reilly grounded it. It was a razor-thin call in a game
already balanced on the smallest of margins.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar later questioned whether the footage met the
“clear and obvious” threshold required to reverse the original decision, arguing
the benefit of doubt should remain with the attacking side.
The timing made it decisive. Had the try stood, NSW would have taken the lead with
only minutes remaining. Instead, the Reds held on in that moment — and two minutes
later Carter Gordon’s long-range try sealed the result.
Carter Gordon Slams the Door
Moments after surviving the Waratahs’ late surge, the Reds delivered the decisive blow.
Taking the ball near halfway, Carter Gordon spotted space and accelerated through the defensive line.
The fly-half beat multiple defenders and then simply outran Wallabies teammate Harry Potter to the corner in a stunning 55-metre sprint.
The try pushed the Reds to a 26–17 lead with only minutes remaining and effectively sealed the contest.
It was Gordon’s second try of the night and the defining moment of a dramatic finish.
Round 5 Highlights
Defence Built the Victory
The highlight reels will focus on the final-quarter fireworks.
But Queensland’s win was built on defence.
Despite having significantly less possession, the Reds absorbed enormous pressure throughout the first hour and refused to let the Waratahs build a decisive lead.
Coach Les Kiss later praised his side’s composure and resilience under that pressure.
When the game finally opened up, the Reds were ready to strike.
Another Chapter in the Rivalry
The victory gives Queensland three consecutive wins after their opening-round loss to the Waratahs and strengthens their push toward the top end of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder.
More importantly, it reinforced the identity this Reds team is beginning to build — a side capable of defending relentlessly before unleashing its attacking weapons when opportunities appear.
Next week brings a very different challenge with a trip to Fiji to face the Drua.
But on Saturday night in Brisbane, the Cauldron belonged to the Reds once again.
And the oldest rivalry in Australian rugby delivered another unforgettable chapter.
Published 15-March-2026
MATCH PREVIEW
Red-Hot Rivalry: 6 Things to Watch For as Queensland Reds Host NSW Waratahs at Suncorp
Published 13-March-2026
The Cauldron is about to boil again.
On Saturday night, the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs collide at Suncorp Stadium in the latest chapter of Australian rugby’s oldest interstate rivalry — a clash fuelled by revenge, returning teammates, and a Reds side determined to prove it can finish what it starts.
Queensland enter Round 5 of the Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific season chasing a third straight victory and redemption for the 36–12 defeat the Waratahs handed them in Round 1. But the visitors arrive wounded after last week’s heavy loss to the Hurricanes, making them a dangerous opponent in a fixture where form rarely matters.
Match Details
Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific – Round 5
Saturday, 14 March 2026 | Suncorp Stadium
Kick-off: 6:35pm AEST Live Broadcast on Stan Sport
What’s at Stake
For the Reds, Saturday night is about proving their growth since the opening round loss in Sydney. Coach Les Kiss believes the side is still building toward its best rugby, and the challenge now is turning promising stretches into a complete 80-minute performance.
For the Waratahs, the equation is simpler: respond. After a heavy defeat last week, they arrive in Brisbane desperate to reset their season in the one fixture that always carries extra meaning.
Before the whistle blows, here are the six key storylines shaping Saturday night’s showdown.
1. The Longest Rivalry in Australian Rugby
Queensland versus New South Wales has always been more than just another match on the Super Rugby calendar. It is widely regarded as the longest-running interstate rivalry in Australian rugby, stretching back more than a century.
Every meeting carries an undercurrent of pride that rarely shows up on the ladder. The colours may be maroon and sky blue, but the emotions are unmistakably tribal.
Suncorp Stadium — known to Reds fans as the Cauldron — has hosted countless chapters of this rivalry. When Queensland runs out on Saturday night, they will not just be chasing competition points; they will be defending state pride.
2. Angus Blyth Returns to the Cauldron — As the Enemy
One of the most intriguing subplots surrounds Wallabies lock Angus Blyth.
After nine years in the Reds system, Blyth switched sides at the end of last season to join the Waratahs. His first start for New South Wales now comes in Brisbane — against the teammates he once called brothers.
Reds lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto acknowledged the unusual situation during the week.
“He’s a good friend of mine and was an awesome servant for Queensland rugby over the time he was here,” Salakaia-Loto said.
“But as soon as we cross that white line, there are no friends on that field.”
The emotional return adds another layer of intensity to a fixture that already carries plenty of history.
3. Isaac Henry’s Long Road Back
While Blyth returns as a rival, another storyline focuses on a player finally getting his opportunity.
Centre Isaac Henry has endured a brutal run of injuries over the past few seasons, including serious setbacks involving his foot, hamstring and knee. Now the 27-year-old finds himself starting at inside centre for the second consecutive week.
With Hunter Paisami sidelined by a lower-leg injury, Henry has stepped into the No.12 jersey and impressed Reds coach Les Kiss with his resilience and versatility.
For a player who once risked being forgotten in a crowded midfield, Saturday night represents another chance to cement his place.
4. Revenge for the Round 1 Defeat
The Reds have unfinished business with the Waratahs.
Back in Round 1, New South Wales handed Queensland a comprehensive 36–12 defeat in Sydney. The Reds were competitive for long periods before fading badly in the final quarter.
That collapse has become a motivating factor inside the Reds camp.
Players have spoken openly this week about the need to deliver a full 80-minute performance if they are to compete with the competition’s top teams. Saturday night provides the opportunity to show how much the side has improved since that early-season setback.
5. Waratahs Arrive Wounded
The Waratahs travel north under pressure after a brutal 59–19 loss to the Hurricanes last week.
Despite that result, the Reds know they cannot afford to take New South Wales lightly. The Round 1 clash showed how quickly the Waratahs can punish mistakes and shift momentum.
Reds captain Fraser McReight expects a fierce response from the visitors.
“They’re definitely going to be coming out swinging,” he said earlier this week.
That combination of desperation and rivalry could make the Waratahs particularly dangerous on Saturday night.
6. The Rivalry Starts Long Before Kick-Off
The Queensland–NSW rivalry does not begin at Super Rugby level — it starts much earlier.
Earlier on Saturday afternoon, the Reds Under-18s face the Waratahs Under-18s at Bottomley Park in Brisbane, giving the next generation of players their own taste of the interstate battle.
Young Reds outside centre Taione Taka has already experienced several clashes with New South Wales at junior level and says every meeting carries extra significance.
“It’s a great rivalry to have in Australian rugby,” he said.
For players coming through the system, these matches ensure the Queensland–NSW rivalry remains deeply embedded long before they reach the professional stage.
A Rivalry That Rarely Disappoints
Everything is set for another memorable night at Suncorp Stadium.
A returning former Red, a resurgent centre claiming his opportunity, and a Queensland side determined to erase the memory of Round 1 all add layers of intrigue to the contest.
The Waratahs may arrive bruised, but rivalry games have a habit of ignoring form lines.
When the whistle blows at 6:35pm, the Cauldron will decide the next chapter in one of Australian rugby’s fiercest battles.
The Milton Heritage Trail links 17 stops, from a 19th century shop-house to the XXXX Brewery, tracing Milton’s shift from farms to today’s dining and sport hub.
Built in 1888, Smith’s Shop is a rare example of a 19th century timber shop-house. It once hosted a cab business and millinery, reflecting how trades and homes shared space in Milton’s early years.
Savoir Faire
Savoir Faire opened in 1988 during Expo ’88 as Brisbane’s first alfresco dining precinct, designed by James Wharton and Roger Parkin. With brick paving, palm trees and an Eiffel Tower replica, it introduced European-style street life to Milton.
The precinct became a hub for festivals and multicultural events, while cafés like La Dolce Vita gave locals a new public space. In 2025, Brisbane Open House featured tours and performances at Savoir Faire, highlighting its lasting cultural impact.
Milton House
Milton House, built in 1853 for chemist Ambrose Eldridge, is one of Brisbane’s oldest Colonial Georgian homes. Originally a 30-acre homestead, it later housed women students under the Presbyterian Church. In the 20th century, it became part of the Kings Row Office Park.
Listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992, it has since undergone restoration to preserve its character. The house is rarely open, but during Brisbane Open House 2025 it offered self-guided tours to the public.
Salvation Army Rescue Home
From 1888, the Salvation Army Rescue Home sheltered vulnerable women and single mothers when public support did not exist. Operated by female “Rescue Sisters,” it provided medical care, domestic training and safety.
John Oxley
Surveyor John Oxley mapped this reach of the Brisbane River in 1823 and 1824. His journals identified Western Creek as suitable for settlement, placing Milton at the origins of Brisbane’s European history.
Cook Terrace
Cook Terrace was built in 1888–89 as a row of Victorian rental houses. Once prestigious riverfront addresses, the terraces later declined before being restored in the 1980s for commercial use.
Milton and Floods
Milton has always been flood-prone. The 1893 disaster displaced hundreds of residents, and in 2011 floodwaters again inundated the suburb, reaching the brewery and Suncorp Stadium.
Coronation Motel
Opened in 1964, the Coronation Motel became one of Brisbane’s most fashionable venues. With underground parking, a pool and celebrity guests, it marked the rise of postwar motoring culture.
The Hixco furniture factory opened in 1911, producing fine Queensland timber furniture. Its presence underlined Milton’s early reputation for industry and craftsmanship.
Cribb Street Terrace Houses
Two rows of Victorian terrace houses were built between 1887 and 1890 along Cribb Street. They provided working-class housing before being demolished in the 1960s after repeated flooding.
Milton Sanitary Disposal Depot
Operating until 1949, the depot processed sewage and burned rubbish, its chimney a landmark on Cribb Street. It reflected the challenges of sanitation before modern sewerage systems.
Milton Tramway Workshops
From 1930, the workshops maintained Brisbane’s trams and during World War II also produced equipment and dummy guns. The site tied Milton to both transport and wartime contributions.
Milton’s Industry
Factories thrived in Milton through the 20th century. Morrows’ Biscuit Factory, which later merged into Arnott’s, filled the suburb with the smell of baking until production shifted in the 1990s.
Lang Park and Christ Church Anglican Church
This site began as Brisbane’s first cemetery before becoming Lang Park and later Suncorp Stadium. Beside it, Christ Church, built in 1891, remains a leading example of Queensland timber church design.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
World War II Air Raid Shelter
The concrete air raid shelter on Railway Terrace reflects fears of Japanese attack after 1942. Built by council, it was designed to later serve as a bus shelter, a reminder of wartime planning.
XXXX Brewery
The XXXX Brewery has brewed on Milton Road since the 1870s, producing one of Queensland’s most recognised beers. Its red brick tower and neon sign are listed heritage features.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
In 2025, a court approved the brewery’s plan to expand ethanol storage with three new 40,000-litre tanks, despite opposition from the Anglican Church. Lion, the brewery’s owner, also pledged a $5 million investment to support new drink lines, including seltzers.
Bishopsbourne
Built in the 1860s for Brisbane’s first Anglican bishop, Bishopsbourne became home to St Francis’ Theological College. Its chapel, designed by architect Robin Dods, remains a highlight of the grounds.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Anglican Church, which owns the site, opposed the brewery’s ethanol expansion over safety and heritage concerns. The challenge failed in court, but Bishopsbourne remains central to ongoing discussions about balancing heritage with industrial growth nearby.
Balancing Growth and Preservation
Milton faces redevelopment pressures, with towers planned along Coronation Drive and new investment in historic sites. Heritage places like Milton House are being restored, while Cook Terrace and the XXXX Brewery adapt to commercial use.
Reduced ferry services have also changed how people access the area. The Milton Heritage Trail highlights these layers of history, showing how heritage and growth continue to intersect in the suburb.
Let’s not sugarcoat it — that one was there to be won.
For 25 minutes, the Broncos looked like the premiers again. Fast through the middle, line speed up, Walsh carving them up out the back. 20–6 up at Suncorp and the Eels looked on the ropes.
Then Brisbane lost their way.
Missed tackles, penalties, defensive disconnects and a complete momentum swing turned a comfortable lead into a 40–32 loss. Two rounds into the season and the defending premiers are 0–2, still searching for the defensive steel that carried them to the title.
Good teams can lose. Champions sometimes start slow. But blowing a game like this at home is the sort of collapse that forces a hard look in the mirror.
The Broncos can still turn this around. But right now the truth is simple — they’re not playing like a premiership side for 80 minutes.
The opening half hour showed exactly what Brisbane can be when things click.
The Broncos dominated field position early, forcing repeat sets before Reece Walsh sliced through in the fifth minute for the first try of the season. Kotoni Staggs soon followed off a pinpoint Adam Reynolds grubber, and when Payne Haas crashed through in the 26th minute, Brisbane were cruising at 20–6.
Then it unravelled.
Parramatta found momentum and Brisbane’s left edge couldn’t hold. In the space of five minutes before halftime the Eels crossed three times, flipping the game completely and taking a 22–20 lead into the sheds.
The second half turned into a shootout.
Staggs scored again off an Ezra Mam chip kick to level things up, and Walsh produced a piece of magic with a chip-and-chase try to put Brisbane back in front.
But every Broncos surge was answered.
With the game in the balance, Jonah Pezet controlled the key moments — setting up Sean Russell with a grubber before sealing the result himself when he chased down his own kick in the dying minutes.
The final score: Parramatta 40, Brisbane 32 in a chaotic 12-try contest.
Round 2 Analysis: What Went Wrong (and Right)
For the Broncos
Edge defence exposed
Parramatta repeatedly attacked Brisbane’s left side and found space between Ezra Mam, Jack Gosiewski and Aublix Tawha. Once the Eels got momentum they scored quickly and easily through that channel.
Walsh: brilliance and errors
Walsh produced moments only he can — two spectacular tries and several dangerous runs. But there were costly mistakes too, including an airswing on a bomb that led directly to an Eels try.
It was a classic rocks-and-diamonds night. Discipline killing them.
Brisbane conceded eight penalties and multiple ruck infringements, repeatedly handing Parramatta field position and back-to-back sets.
In the faster 2026 game those momentum swings are brutal. Teams defending repeat sets eventually crack.
For the Eels
Pezet ran the show
The Eels five-eighth had a breakout game — two tries and several try assists, constantly targeting the Broncos defensive line with grubbers and short balls.
In an ironic twist, he will be wearing Broncos colours in 2027.
On Thursday night he picked them apart.
The Historical Lens: Is the Season Over?
It is still March — but Brisbane have given themselves work to do.
Two rounds in and the Broncos have already conceded 66 points, a sign their defensive structure and discipline are not where they need to be.
The attack still has strike — they proved that by scoring 32 points against Parramatta — but premiership sides do not concede 40 and expect to win.
The case for optimism
There are still reasons to believe the Broncos can steady the ship.
Coach Michael Maguire pointed to the opening 20 minutes as proof of what the side is capable of when they execute their game plan.
“We showed for 20 minutes what we’re capable of doing… but it’s an 80-minute game,” Maguire said post-match.
Prop Payne Haas delivered a similar message of perspective.
“You don’t win premierships in March,” he said, while acknowledging the team must fix its bad habits quickly.
Reinforcements are also on the horizon, with back-rower Brendan Piakura expected to return soon to help stabilise the edge defence.
What must change
The fixes are not complicated; but they are urgent.
First, the Broncos must find 80-minute toughness. Strong starts are meaningless if the intensity drops once momentum swings. That has happened in both games to start the season.
Second, the defence has to tighten, particularly on the edges. Parramatta repeatedly targeted Brisbane’s left side and found space far too easily. Premiership teams don’t concede points in bunches like that.
Finally, game management will be critical, especially if Adam Reynolds misses time with a rib injury. Without their on-field organiser late against Parramatta, Brisbane looked short on direction. If Reynolds is sidelined, another voice — likely Ben Hunt — will need to steer the side through the high-tempo pace of the modern NRL.
Heading into Round 3: The Path to Redemption
Next up is a grand final rematch against Melbourne.
It is about as tough a response game as you can get.
For the Broncos the formula is simple.
Tighten the defence. Cut the penalties. Play the full 80 minutes.
Because if Brisbane keep giving teams momentum the way they did against Parramatta, the hole will only get deeper.
Published 13-March-2026
PRE-GAME PREVIEW
Published 11-March-2026
Broncos Return to the Cauldron Seeking Redemption Against the Eels
The schlacking by the Panthers was a massive wake up call for the Broncos but let’s not kid ourselves, they were very ordinary for 30% of last season and gradually found their 5th gear to beat all-comers.
The eery silence that filled the ground towards the end of the game, is not something Madge and the boys will ever want to hear again.
The Parramatta Eels arrive in Brisbane carrying wounds of their own after a heavy Round 1 loss to Melbourne, meaning both sides enter the contest desperate for their first win of the 2026 season.
In front of another expectant Suncorp Stadium crowd, the match has quickly become more than just another early-round fixture. It is a test of response, resilience and pride.
Match Snapshot
Broncos vs Eels Round 2 — Thursday, March 12 7:00pm AEST | Suncorp Stadium Channel 9 / Fox League / Kayo
Coach Michael Maguire has resisted the urge to panic after the Round 1 defeat, naming largely the same 17 to face Parramatta. Ezra Mam has again been listed at five-eighth with veteran Ben Hunt on the bench in a flexible playmaking rotation that could shift during the match.
The Broncos remain without back-rower Brendan Piakura as he continues recovering from a knee injury.
Blake Mozer, Delouise Hoeter and Thomas Duffy have been added to the extended squad as the club maintains depth across the roster heading into the short turnaround.
Despite the disappointment against Penrith, Maguire’s message has been clear: improvement will come through execution rather than sweeping changes.
Paramatta Eels
Parramatta travel north boosted by the return of winger Josh Addo-Carr from a thumb injury. His inclusion pushes Sean Russell into the centres and adds pace to the Eels’ backline.
However, the Eels will be without forward J’maine Hopgood, who is serving a suspension following the opening-round defeat to Melbourne.
Coach Jason Ryles has reshuffled his pack accordingly, with Jack Williams moving into the starting front-row and Kelma Tuilagi promoted to the starting side.
Broncos Reality Check
Broncos fans know last week simply wasn’t good enough.
Brisbane completed just 61 percent of their sets and produced 19 errors against Penrith — numbers that made sustained attacking pressure almost impossible.
For a side built on momentum through the middle and quick attacking shifts from players like Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam, that lack of control proved fatal.
The encouraging sign for Brisbane supporters is that premiership teams rarely stay down for long. Thursday night now becomes an opportunity to reset their standards.
Key Match-Up
Adam Reynolds vs Mitchell Moses
The tactical battle between the two veteran halfbacks could ultimately shape the contest.
Reynolds controls Brisbane’s tempo with precise kicking and field positioning, while Moses provides Parramatta with one of the NRL’s most dangerous long-range kicking games.
Whichever playmaker wins the territorial battle will give their side the platform to attack.
Players to Watch
Several Broncos will be under the spotlight as Brisbane looks to reignite its attack.
Reece Walsh
The Broncos fullback is rarely quiet two weeks in a row. Expect Walsh to be heavily involved as Brisbane look to ignite their attack through broken play and quick shifts.
Adam Reynolds
The veteran halfback remains the organiser of Brisbane’s attack. His kicking game and calm decision-making will be critical against an Eels side led by Mitchell Moses.
Xavier Willison
With Payne Haas set to depart the club in the future, young forward Xavier Willison is increasingly viewed as part of Brisbane’s long-term middle-forward leadership. The New Zealand representative has credited Haas as a key mentor as he continues to develop his game.
3 Questions for the Broncos
Can the discipline improve?
Brisbane’s 19 errors and low completion rate against Penrith prevented the Broncos from building any sustained pressure. Reducing those mistakes will be the first step toward rediscovering their attacking rhythm.
Will the Reynolds–Mam combination click?
The halves pairing remains central to Brisbane’s structure. If Adam Reynolds can control territory and Ezra Mam finds space to attack, the Broncos’ backline suddenly becomes far more dangerous.
How will the forwards respond?
The Broncos’ premiership run was built on dominance through the middle. Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan and the forward pack will be expected to set the tone early against a Parramatta side missing key enforcer J’maine Hopgood.
Broncos vs Eels: What are the odds?
Bookmakers have installed Brisbane as strong favourites heading into Thursday night, reflecting the Broncos’ home advantage and overall roster strength.
Several analysts expect the defending premiers to respond strongly, predicting a comfortable victory if Brisbane rediscover their discipline and attacking rhythm.
The Stakes
For the Broncos, Thursday night is about more than two competition points.
It is about restoring confidence, re-establishing standards and reminding the competition why Brisbane lifted the premiership trophy only months ago.
The Cauldron has seen countless Broncos redemption stories over the years.
On Thursday night, Suncorp Stadium will be expecting another one.
Milton residents and visitors have a new dessert option, with ALIA Gelato opening in the heart of the suburb’s dining strip. Founded by Alessia Anibaldi, this store offers small-batch gelato made using traditional Italian techniques, with classic flavours and seasonal ingredients.
The store is in the Park Road precinct, directly across from the entrance to Milton Station and close to established local businesses, including Arrivederci Pizza. Its location places it among one of Milton’s best-known food and dining areas.
The gelato shop had its soft opening in February 2026, and it has been full steam ahead for March.
Photo Credit: ALIAGelato.com
Ms Anibaldi previously worked internationally in development and humanitarian roles before turning her attention to gelato-making. She later trained in Sicily under pastry and gelato maestro Nino De Pasquale before opening the Milton store.
The menu centres on traditional Italian techniques combined with local ingredients and seasonal flavours. Classic options such as pistachio, stracciatella and strawberry are available, alongside rotating specials that change with the seasons. The shop also offers fruit sorbets made with real fruit.
Local produce plays a key role in the business’s approach. Ms Anibaldi says they work with local producers and prioritise seasonal ingredients in their recipes. The business also promotes sustainability measures, including home-compostable packaging.
On its website, the company describes the shop as a neighbourhood meeting place where locals and visitors can drop in for a scoop, linger over dessert or share a treat with friends. The business has also flagged future collaborations and community initiatives as it grows.
With its traditional Italian gelato methods and focus on local, seasonal ingredients, ALIA Gelato adds another dessert stop to Milton’s Park Road precinct.
A historic shutout, 18 errors and a tactical gamble that misfired — Brisbane’s title defence began with a harsh reality check.
The stage was set for a coronation at Suncorp Stadium. On a humid Friday night, 45,566 fans packed the stands to welcome the 2025 premiers back home, expecting the Brisbane Broncos to reinforce their status as the NRL’s new gold standard. Instead, it turned into a sobering reminder of how hard defending a title really is.
In a performance described by a veteran observer as “shambolic,” a side that etched its name in history only months ago suddenly looked out of sync. The hunters may have become the hunted overnight, and the transition from chasing the crown to defending it is proving anything but simple.
The heaviest fall of the modern era
The 26-0 scoreline was more than just a loss; it was a statistical shock. By failing to register a single point in front of their home crowd, the Broncos suffered the heaviest Round 1 defeat of a defending premier in the history of the NRL. A shutout of this magnitude hurts because it exposes problems on both sides of the ball at once.
As noted in the official NRL record, the result echoed a moment from nearly four decades ago: “It was the biggest win against a premier in the opening round of the season since 1988 when the Broncos beat Manly 44-10 in the club’s first game in the NSWRL Premiership.”
For Brisbane to find themselves on the other side of that statistic 38 years later is a reminder that premiership hangovers can be real. The good news for Broncos fans is that Round 1 doesn’t define a season.
Madge’s ‘Super Sub’ plan didn’t quite land
In a late tactical gamble, Michael Maguire attempted to replicate part of the 2025 Grand Final blueprint. Veteran Ben Hunt was elevated to the starting five-eighth role, with Ezra Mam shifted to the bench just an hour before kickoff. With Cory Paix starting at hooker, the plan appeared to be using Hunt’s control early before unleashing Mam later as a spark against a tiring defensive line.
But the Broncos never quite generated the platform needed to make it work. Without sustained field position or pressure, Penrith’s defence stayed fresh. When Mam entered in the 30th minute with Brisbane trailing 10-0, he had little space to work with.
It was less a failure of the idea and more a reminder that even clever tactics rely on a forward pack winning the early exchanges.
A messy night for the spine
Perhaps the most frustrating part for Broncos fans was seeing a usually electric spine struggle to click.
Reece Walsh, often capable of turning a match in seconds, endured one of those nights when nothing quite falls your way. The most memorable moment came in the 27th minute when a clearing kick ricocheted off teammate Xavier Willison in an accidental-offside moment that summed up Brisbane’s luck.
Overall the Broncos made 18 errors and completed at just 61 percent. As Maguire noted post-match, when you hand over that much possession, fatigue inevitably follows.
That fatigue showed up defensively with 40 missed tackles, and Penrith’s edges took advantage. Thomas Jenkins’ double highlighted just how sharp the Panthers can be when given space.
Penrith remind everyone who they are
While Brisbane looked like a side still finding its rhythm, Penrith looked like a team determined to remind the competition they remain a force.
Nathan Cleary marked his 100th game as captain in style, while Dylan Edwards delivered a commanding performance from fullback. Edwards finished with 166 metres and a try, repeatedly inserting himself into attacking movements.
The Panthers’ defensive grit was just as telling. Their effort to hold Kotoni Staggs over the line late in the half became one of the defining moments of the night and underlined the discipline that has defined Penrith’s success in recent seasons.
A worrying pattern, but not panic stations yet
This loss also follows the 30-24 defeat to Hull KR in the World Club Challenge, where Brisbane trailed 18-4 at halftime. Slow starts are starting to form a pattern, and that is something the coaching staff will want to address quickly.
There are also longer-term questions looming with Payne Haas confirmed to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2027. For now, however, Haas remains a key part of the Broncos’ engine room, and the squad still contains plenty of elite talent.
Right now it feels less like a structural crisis and more like a team still adjusting to the pressures of defending a premiership.
The road ahead
The Broncos now return to the Clive Berghofer Centre to review the tape before a challenging run against the Eels, Storm and Dolphins.
The standard set in 2025 was always going to be hard to maintain. Round 1 was a harsh reminder of that.
Is the Broncos’ lack of cohesion a fixable coaching tweak, or have the Panthers just exposed an architectural flaw in the champions’ armor?
For now, the core of this side seems to still be strong. If the discipline and cohesion return quickly, the Broncos have more than enough talent to steady the ship and remind everyone why they lifted the trophy only months ago.
A retirement village is set to rise on one of inner Brisbane’s most storied properties, after Brisbane approved a development application for Bishopsview Milton, a boutique, 75-apartment community on the heritage-listed grounds of Old Bishopsbourne.
The 3.8-hectare site, tucked near the XXXX Brewery on Milton Road, has been home to Brisbane’s Anglican community since 1868, when the residence was built for the city’s first Anglican Archbishop. It currently houses St Francis Theological College, which will continue to operate on the grounds under the ownership of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland (ACSQ).
The approval marks a significant milestone for developer Aura Holdings, which was selected by ACSQ following a series of public information sessions to help fund the preservation of the heritage-listed Old Bishopsbourne and the Chapel of the Holy Spirit — both buildings requiring significant investment to maintain.
Photo Credit: DA A006761134
Aura Holdings CEO Sean Graham welcomed the decision. “Securing development approval for Bishopsview Milton is a significant milestone for Aura,” he said.
“This project is a unique retirement living option that responds to a gap in the market providing future residents the opportunity to downsize to a purpose-built home in a rare, untouched inner-city location.”
Photo Credit: DA A006761134
Designed by Cox Architecture, the three residential buildings will be delivered in a single stage and surrounded by landscaped gardens. Residents will have access to a pool, gym, yoga area, library, billiards room, and outdoor entertaining spaces. Construction is expected to wrap up in 2028, making Bishopsview Milton Aura’s eighth village across South-East Queensland.
ACSQ said the approval was an important step forward for the long-term future of the site, and was clear that the Church is not selling the land. The organisation said it would retain ownership of both the site and the College, which will continue to operate and offer theological education.
Locals’ concerns
St Francis Theological College at 233 Milton Rd (Photo credit: Google Maps/Suzanne Bell)
A community lobby group, Concerned Residents Against Milton’s Excessive Development (CRAMED), had fought the proposal for years, arguing the site’s lush grounds, which CRAMED claimed were home to as many as 155 mature trees, some more than a century old, amounted to a “secret garden” worth saving.
CRAMED raised concerns that parts of the development exceeded allowable height limits by more than two storeys, that heritage-listed structures on the site could be damaged, and that interference with overland water flow paths could affect neighbouring properties.
One Milton resident, who lodged a submission to BCC, said: “While I understand the need for aged care and retirement living options, I believe this particular development poses significant risks to the heritage character, traffic conditions, and liveability of the surrounding area.”
Residents had also called on BCC or the state to step in and help preserve the vegetated grounds as public open space.
Aura’s development application addressed many of those objections, stating that water flow could be managed through engineering controls, tree loss would be kept to a minimum, and heritage areas would be protected.
For Aura, the project responds to what the company describes as a gap in the market for quality retirement options in inner-city locations. The village’s proximity to cafés, public transport, river walks, shopping, and medical services was highlighted as a key drawcard for future residents hoping to downsize without leaving the neighbourhood they know.
Whether the end result honours that balance is something Milton residents will be watching closely as construction gets underway.
This isn’t just Round 2. This is where seasons either steady, or start to slip.
After a 36–12 season-opening loss to the Waratahs, a game that remained within reach past the hour mark, the Queensland Reds return for a Friday night match to their spiritual and competitive centre, the Suncorp Stadium in Milton.
With key Wallabies returning, combinations re-forming and a home crowd behind them, this is Queensland’s first real chance to define 2026 on their terms.
Match details Friday, 27 February 2026 6:35pm AEST (Brisbane time) Suncorp Stadium, Milton Watch live on Stan Sport
The Caxton Street walk will feel different this week. Sharper. More urgent. The noise won’t be hopeful. It will be expectant.
The Context: Lessons From Sydney
The scoreline in Sydney flattered the Waratahs late. For over an hour, the Reds were in the contest. But at this level, margins harden quickly.
Captain Fraser McReight has spoken about two priorities since that night:
managing referee dialogue in high-pressure moments
tightening the “little moments” that accumulate over 80 minutes
There has been no talk of overhaul at Ballymore — only improvement.
Across the competition, the benchmark has already been set. The Brumbies’ 50–24 dismantling of the Crusaders in Christchurch signalled that Australian sides can dictate terms. McReight has acknowledged it as a standard to chase, but without emotional overreach.
The Reds’ focus remains internal.
Reinforcements: Experience Returns
In Round 1, Queensland carried an injury list of 11 players, including influential Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson and both frontline flyhalves, Tom Lynagh and Carter Gordon.
This week looks different.
Wilson returns at No.8 in his seventh Super Rugby season, fresh from inclusion in World Rugby’s 2025 Dream Team of the Year. His presence restores balance to the back row.
Gordon starts at flyhalf for his Reds Super Rugby debut, as a player who first signed with the club at 17 and now gets his moment under lights at Suncorp. He partners Sunshine Coast product Louis Werchon in the halves.
Lynagh remains sidelined as coach Les Kiss maintains a measured approach following a disrupted 2025 season that included concussions and hamstring issues. The club is prioritising longevity over urgency.
Four additional Wallabies strengthen the 23-man squad, including Filipo Daugunu, Josh Nasser and Kalani Thomas off the bench.
This is a side selected for control and physical authority.
Front Row: Aidan Ross, Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr form an all-Wallabies trio capable of setting scrum tone early. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen reinforces the platform late.
Second Row: Josh Canham and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto provide height and edge at lineout and in contact.
Back Row: Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c) and Harry Wilson — breakdown pressure, defensive volume and carry power in balance.
Halves: Werchon’s tempo and Gordon’s tactical kicking will dictate field position.
Midfield and Backfield: Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook provide directness through the middle, while Jock Campbell’s composure at fullback remains essential against a Highlanders side known for variation.
Impact Bench: Daugunu offers finishing strike. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips provides flexibility at No.10. Kalani Thomas is capable of shifting momentum late.
This is not experimentation. It is reinforcement.
Highlanders Bring Continuity and Experience Off the Bench
The Highlanders arrive in Brisbane backing continuity for their first away game of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Head coach Jamie Joseph has made just two changes to the starting XV that fell four points short in a narrow loss to the Chiefs in Round Two.
Will Stodart has been promoted to the starting side with Oliver Haig shifting to the bench, while Adam Lennox comes into the No.9 jersey and Folau Fakatava moves to the reserves.
The bigger story may be on the bench.
After Henry Bell and Josh Bartlett filled reserve front-row roles last week, Soane Vikena and Daniel Lienert-Brown are set to provide impact against Queensland. This is a clear injection of experience as Joseph looks to ensure his side finishes stronger than it started.
The Highlanders coach acknowledged the challenge awaiting in Milton.
“The Reds are coming off a bye and they’ve got a proud record at home,” Joseph said.
“Our game is growing, and we’re working hard on the small details that will help us deliver a more complete 80-minute performance. We’ll need that level of accuracy and intensity if we’re going to get the job done on Friday,” he added.
For a side that pushed the Chiefs deep into the contest, the message is clear: Brisbane is about precision across the full 80.
Why Suncorp Matters
The Reds have won 10 of their 14 matches at Suncorp Stadium across the 2024 and 2025 seasons in Super Rugby Pacific.
The venue compresses noise. Momentum builds quickly. Visiting teams feel pressure compound.
Hooker Matt Faessler described it this week as a “unique ecosystem” — the Caxton Street run-in, the proximity of the crowd, the surge once Queensland gain ascendancy.
For both sides seeking early-season traction, there is no better stage.
The Run Ahead
Friday is the immediate focus, but the schedule sharpens quickly: (All schedules as of press time)
ACT Brumbies (away) – Saturday, 7 March, 6:35pm
Waratahs (home) – Friday, 14 March, 6:35pm
Fijian Drua (away) – 21 March, 1:35pm
That stretch will shape the narrative of the opening month.
A win over the Highlanders does more than level the ledger. It builds authority before facing Australian heavyweights again.
The Stakes
The Reds have reached the semi-finals in each of the past two seasons. The ambition in 2026 is to go further.
The Waratahs sit unbeaten. The Brumbies have fired an early statement.
Queensland’s response begins in Milton.
Kick-off is 6:35pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium, streaming live on Stan Sport.
By full-time on Friday night, we’ll know whether this was simply a home fixture, or the moment the Reds re-established their edge.
Under lights. At Suncorp. With the season waiting.
Milton’s Suncorp Stadium will be permitted to host up to 21 concerts in 2026 under a one-year trial, increasing the number of live music dates at the inner-city venue.
The annual concert limit at Suncorp Stadium has risen from 12 to 21 for 2026 following a temporary amendment to the Major Sports Facilities Regulation 2014.
The cap had previously doubled from six to 12 after an earlier trial period. The latest change is set to operate for one year, after which it may be reviewed.
Suncorp Stadium is expected to welcome around 250,000 patrons across approximately one and a half weeks as it hosts the Australian exclusive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and three concerts by Ed Sheeran.
Photo Credit: Suncorp Stadium
Impact On Sporting Fixtures
The expanded Milton Suncorp concerts schedule coincides with major sporting competitions held at the venue.
Brisbane Roar relocated its February 28 A-League Men match against Perth Glory to Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe following concerns about pitch recovery after recent major events and ahead of the Ed Sheeran shows.
A stadium spokesperson previously stated that while the field would be prepared in time for the Queensland Reds v Highlanders match, extended flooring coverage can affect grass coverage and appearance in ways that may impact certain football codes differently.
Brisbane Roar has experienced fixture adjustments in previous seasons, including missing the opportunity to host a home Australia Cup final in 2023 due to venue availability.
The Super Rugby season also overlaps with the peak concert period. However, the Queensland Reds have indicated they do not intend to shift fixtures away from Suncorp Stadium.
Photo Credit: Suncorp Stadium
Operations And Community Response
Concert staging at Lang Park can involve temporary generators, significant bump-in and bump-out processes and street closures to support production requirements.
Sample polling conducted last year found 56 per cent of nearby residents were open to raising the concert cap. Public comments have also highlighted concerns about sound levels, consultation processes and public transport access.
Brisbane Broncos players Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam have used their platforms to support a $750,000 fundraising campaign for a Sunshine Coast child seeking cancer treatment overseas. The Brisbane Broncos play their home games at Suncorp Stadium in Milton.
Tessa Perry, from Palmview on the Sunshine Coast, is living with relapsed Stage 4 neuroblastoma. She was first diagnosed in November 2023 and has undergone chemotherapy and two bone marrow transplants. After initially being cleared, the cancer later returned.
Photo Credit: GoFundMe
Her family has said they were advised there are no remaining curative options available in Australia and are now pursuing specialist treatment in the United States.
A GoFundMe campaign titled “75,000 People to SAVE Tessa” was created with a target of $750,000. The page shows $464,802 raised from about 14,500 donations, alongside calls for 75,000 people to contribute $10 each to reach the goal.
The Brisbane Broncos players promoted the appeal on social media, encouraging donations and raising awareness of the family’s situation. The posts linked donations over $25 to entry into a prize draw.
The incentive structure outlined that the highest verified single donation received before 6 p.m. AEST on Sunday 1 March 2026 would receive a major prize. Additional prizes, including match-worn items and game-day experiences, were to be drawn from eligible donors who contributed $25 or more. Winners were set to be announced at 6 p.m. AEST on Monday 2 March 2026.
A campaign update dated 13 February said Tessa and her mother were admitted to Queensland Children’s Hospital after she experienced two fevers. The update said she was started on intravenous piperacillin while tests were conducted, with an MIBG scan scheduled to monitor the disease.
On 21 February, Make-A-Wish Australia arranged a snow-themed experience for Tessa at Area 51 in South Brisbane, noting she was not medically cleared to fly interstate.
