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Milton Couple Quits Work After $4.3m Prize Draw Win

A Milton couple has stepped away from the nine-to-five grind after landing more than $4.3 million in a weekend prize draw, marking a life-changing moment for the Brisbane community.

Life Takes A Turn For Milton Locals

A Brisbane couple in their 50s is still coming to terms with a life-changing win after a last-minute entry through a draw app landed them a share in a multimillion-dollar prize. Their ticket was one of just seven top-tier winning entries nationwide in the 26 July 2025 draw.

*Photo Credit: Canva / For Illustration Purpose Only*

Bought on impulse with no real expectations, the win came as a complete shock. Even days later, the pair said the news still felt surreal and “like something that doesn’t happen to everyday people.” They were contacted by officials who confirmed the result, leaving them in disbelief.

Focus Turns To Home, Rest And Freedom

With more than $4.3 million now in their name, the pair plans to leave their working lives behind and embrace an early retirement. Their first priority is to pay off their mortgage completely, a goal that had seemed much further out of reach just days earlier.

The couple shared that they aren’t planning any big celebrations just yet. Their immediate focus is on adjusting to the news and quietly planning the next chapter of their lives. They described the shift as a chance to finally live fully, without financial pressure dictating their choices.

Milton Win Part Of Larger Draw Results

Their winning entry, classified as a System 9 game, allowed for more number combinations than standard tickets, increasing the chances of a significant return. It was one of only seven top-tier entries drawn nationally in that round.

Other winners came from New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia. The draw numbers were 17, 23, 40, 42, 44 and 2, with supplementary numbers 27 and 39. As of this win, over 250 first-division prizes have been awarded across the country in 2025, with Queensland players claiming a significant share.

Community Impact And Continued Excitement

Draw-based games remain popular in Australia, generating large prize pools and community engagement. In 2024 alone, over $4.84 billion in prizes were awarded, including 149 new Saturday draw millionaires.

These games also contribute more than $1.8 billion annually to vital public services like hospitals, education, and research. While most players dream of personal wins, few realise the broader impact their participation supports.

Published 04-August-2025

Major Crypto Acquisition Drives Growth at Milton-Based Swyftx

Photo Credit: Pexels

Cryptocurrency exchange Swyftx, headquartered in Milton, is expanding rapidly following two significant acquisitions and new developments in customer support infrastructure.

Background on Swyftx’s Growth

Swyftx, based in Milton, Brisbane, has entered a phase of accelerated expansion. In March 2025, the company acquired Easy Crypto, a New Zealand-based platform also operating in South Africa. More recently, on 1 July 2025, Swyftx confirmed the acquisition of Melbourne-based brokerage Caleb & Brown, in a transaction valued between $100 million and $200 million USD.

These moves follow earlier challenges, including a downturn in trading volumes and a failed merger that led to workforce reductions. Despite this, the company’s leadership has maintained focus on growth and international expansion.

Details of the Caleb & Brown Deal

The acquisition of Caleb & Brown marks the largest high-net-worth crypto brokerage transaction in Australasia. Founded in 2016, Caleb & Brown operates with more than $2 billion AUD in digital assets under custody and serves a global client base with personalised crypto trading services.

The brokerage’s relationship-based model assigns dedicated brokers to each client and includes services such as 24/7 trading support for over 250 assets, over-the-counter desk trading, crypto custody, and managed crypto funds.

With this acquisition, Swyftx gains a fast-tracked entry into the United States market, leveraging Caleb & Brown’s regulatory framework and access to a high-net-worth customer base spanning multiple countries.

AI Enhancements at Milton Headquarters

Alongside its acquisitions, Swyftx has introduced AI-powered customer support tools from Intercom at its Milton base. By using the Fin AI Agent, the company now resolves nearly half of all customer inquiries through automation, achieving a 91% answer rate and saving over 40 hours of team time weekly.

This system was implemented to address the increasing complexity of user questions, with improvements focused on clarity, responsiveness, and security compliance. The AI solution is being scaled further across new communication channels, including SMS and email.

cryptocurrency exchange — Photo Credit: Pexels

Company Identity and Operations

Founded in 2018 by Alex Harper and Angus Goldman, Swyftx is fully Australian-owned and has become one of the country’s largest crypto exchanges. The company now supports over 1.2 million users and offers more than 440 crypto assets for trading.

While its Milton office remains central, more than half of Swyftx’s staff operate remotely across Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, the UK, the US, the Philippines, and India.

Outlook

With the successful acquisition of Caleb & Brown and its adoption of AI-driven support systems, Swyftx continues to scale from its Milton headquarters. The company has signalled that further developments may follow as it expands its footprint in both local and global markets.

Published 4-Aug-2025

Providore Park Returns to Roma Street Parkland for a Weekend of Flavour and Fun

Brisbane’s beloved Providore Park is back this August for a weekend of food, flavour and laid-back fun in the winter sunshine. Set against the scenic backdrop of Roma Street Parkland, the event will run on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August, with a jam-packed program that caters to foodies, families, and friends alike.

Read: Residents Fight to Save Roma Street Parkland in Brisbane Arena Bid

Now in its latest edition, Providore Park is a true celebration of Queensland’s culinary culture, offering gourmet experiences, live entertainment, and more. Whether you’re in it for the long lunch, a crisp gin and tonic, or just to graze your way through artisan stalls, this year’s event is shaping up to be bigger and tastier than ever.

What to Expect at Providore Park 2025

The Village – A Gourmet Wonderland

The heart of Providore Park, The Village, is where food lovers will feel right at home. Browse stalls brimming with artisan produce, street food, sweet treats, small-batch spirits, and boutique wines. Whether you’re after something new or craving an old favourite, The Village has something to satisfy every craving.

Let’s Lunch – A Curated Culinary Journey

Dine in style with a three-course shared lunch created by the award-winning Ghanem Group. With two sittings daily (11am and 2pm), guests can choose from European-inspired indulgence or a vibrant Asian menu, each paired with wines by Tar & Roses.

Peach Pit Booths – Your Own Slice of Luxury

For those wanting a more exclusive experience, the Peach Pit Booths are the way to go. Gather a group of up to six and enjoy two hours of booth time, complete with a Seabourne Distillery cocktail on arrival, a Lanai Noosa gourmet snack platter, and a $100 bar tab. Time slots run at 10am–12pm, 12:30pm–2:30pm, and 3pm–5pm.

Picnic Hampers – Gourmet on the Go

Can’t decide what to eat? Leave it to the experts with a Picnic Hamper from Good Grace. Packed with a delicious spread of cheese, charcuterie, crackers, and sweet and savoury snacks, each hamper also includes a picnic rug, so you can claim your patch of lawn and snack in style.

Seabourne Gin Tasting & Stone & Wood Lounge

Sample botanical brilliance at the Seabourne Gin Tasting, or relax with a cold craft beer at the Stone & Wood Garden Lounge—ideal for kicking back with mates while enjoying the live DJ sets and music near the main stage.

Live Entertainment – Music & Sunshine

From soulful singers to upbeat DJs, the main stage will provide a steady soundtrack of good vibes all weekend long. Grab a drink, find a spot on the lawn, and let the atmosphere wash over you.

Beehive Kids Area – Free Family Fun

Families are welcome too, with the Beehive kids’ activity area offering free entertainment for little ones on the Lakeside Lawn. It’s the perfect place for your busy bees to explore, play, and get creative while the grown-ups unwind.

Read: Polish Market Day Draws a Crowd in Milton

From intimate long lunches and luxe private booths to family-friendly picnics and hands-on kids’ activities, Providore Park 2025 has something for everyone. So gather your friends and family, and head to Roma Street Parkland for Brisbane’s favourite winter foodie weekend. Tickets are now on sale. Visit Providore Park’s website for more details.

Published 1-August-2025

Back at Suncorp: Broncos Need the Win to Keep Finals Hopes Alive

The Brisbane Broncos return to Suncorp Stadium this Friday night with more than pride on the line — they’re fighting to keep their season alive. Officially sitting just outside the top eight, the Broncos need a win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs to stay in the finals race. Against a Wayne Bennett–coached Rabbitohs outfit that’s reshuffling its deck, this high-pressure Round 22 clash under the lights has all the ingredients of a turning point for Brisbane — and for fans across the suburbs, it’s a night not to miss.

Who’s In and Who’s Not

For the Broncos, head coach Michael Maguire has opted for stability with a hint of spark, bringing Selwyn Cobbo and Deine Mariner back onto the wings in a move that signals a return to pace and finishing power out wide. Jesse Arthars and Josiah Karapani make way and shift to the extended bench, while the rest of the backline remains consistent, with Reece Walsh at fullback and Adam Reynolds steering the side alongside Ezra Mam in the halves. Maguire has stuck with his preferred forward rotation, anchored by Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan, and Jordan Riki, showing confidence in their ability to win the middle battle. Notably, there are no fresh injuries, and the squad appears settled — a sign Brisbane is banking on cohesion to deliver under pressure.

For South Sydney, Wayne Bennett has made more dramatic changes, reflective of a side still searching for answers. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape returns to the wing, Jamie Humphreys is recalled at halfback, and Jai Arrow shifts into the front row in an effort to stiffen the Rabbitohs’ middle defence. Ryan Gray takes over the hooking duties, while Jacob Host comes into the second row. Perhaps the boldest move is naming Thomas Fletcher to debut from the bench — a clear signal that Bennett is looking to blood new talent and shake things up after a disappointing stretch of form. These changes suggest a focus on energy and adaptability, with Bennett turning to youth and positional reshuffles to reignite momentum.

The Stakes: Why This Round 22 Clash Matters

For Brisbane, this match isn’t just another fixture — it’s a must-win in every sense. Their recent performances have shown potential but not consistency, and slipping further down the ladder could all but end their finals campaign. Backed by a loyal Suncorp crowd and a healthy squad, this is their opportunity to make a statement.

The Rabbitohs, meanwhile, come in bruised but dangerous. They’ve been sliding on the ladder and need to reset their identity. While the squad looks different this week, they still have threats across the park and the advantage of a coach who knows how to dig deep in pressure moments.

Key Battles to Watch

Reece Walsh vs Jamie Humphreys – Walsh’s pace and ball-playing up against Humphreys’ composure as he returns to the starting halfback role.
Cobbo & Mariner vs Bentley-Hape & Johnston – Expect fireworks on the edges, with both teams relying on speed and sharp finishing.
Middle third control – The engine rooms collide with Haas, Carrigan and Willison aiming to dominate Arrow, Keppie and Host.

And then there’s Adam Reynolds, whose game management and kicking game could prove the difference in a contest likely to go down to the final 20.

Home Crowd Advantage

There’s no underestimating what a Friday night at Suncorp can do for Brisbane’s energy. Returning players like Cobbo and Mariner are built for these stages, and Gehamat Shibasaki, once a Rabbitoh himself, will be out to prove he belongs in the maroon and gold. Add in homegrown firebrands like Kobe Hetherington off the bench, and this has all the makings of a night when local support could truly tip the scales.

🎥 Watch the Official Match Preview

Click here to see the Round 22 Broncos vs Rabbitohs preview video – perfect for fans wanting a quick breakdown of what’s at stake.

Final Word

Kick-off is set for 8pm AEST, Friday 1 August 2025, at Suncorp Stadium. For the Broncos and their supporters, it’s now or never. A win keeps the finals dream alive — and proves they’re more than just potential on paper. With both teams under pressure and plenty of new faces on show, this one promises tension, talent, and a whole lot of heart.

Polish Market Day Draws a Crowd in Milton

Photo Credit: The Polish Club/Facebook

Milton was full of energy as The Polish Club welcomed visitors for its popular monthly Market Day, with a special guest appearance adding excitement to the local event.

A Lively Day in Milton

The Polish Club Milton’s Market Day brought together people from across Brisbane to enjoy authentic Polish food, crafts, and a warm community spirit.

Traditional Polish hospitality was on show, with the sharing of bread and salt, and everyone enjoyed the flavours of home-baked pastries and other treats.

The event took place on 26 July 2025, highlighting the club’s role in bringing people together through culture and connection.

Visitors, including Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, explored market stalls alongside the Club’s President, Stan Macionis, and Honorary Consul for Poland in Queensland, Dr Theresa Lauf. The Premier mingled with the crowd, trying local foods and chatting with market-goers, as Milton locals embraced the atmosphere.

Milton’s Polish Club: A Place for Everyone

Founded in 1953, The Polish Club Milton remains a meeting place for both the Polish-Australian community and anyone interested in learning about Polish culture. Market Day is a regular highlight, run by volunteers and offering a taste of Poland in the heart of Milton. The club also provides venue space for community groups and local events, helping build connections across the city.

Continuing the Tradition

Club President Stan Macionis said he was grateful for all the support the club receives, noting how important it is for cultural organisations to have a place in the local area.

“We were delighted to host Premier Crisafulli and deeply appreciate his recognition of the important role ethnic community clubs like ours play in enriching Queensland’s multicultural fabric, particularly as we look forward to Brisbane hosting the Olympics in 2032. His visit was a meaningful show of support for our volunteers, our Polish small business stallholders, and
the broader Polish-Australian community,” said Macionis.

“Together with our Honorary Consul, Dr Theresa Lauf, we look forward to supporting the Queensland Government in its work with multicultural communities and stand ready to provide assistance as needed, both for forward planning for major events and otherwise.”

The Polish Club Milton plans to keep welcoming the community with monthly Market Days and cultural events. Event details are available on the club’s website, with highlights and photos shared on social media.

Published 29-July-2025

He’s Back: Ed Sheeran Announces 2026 ‘Loop Tour’ With Two Milton Shows

Photo Credit: Ed Sheeran/ Facebook

Just over a year after his last record-breaking visit, Ed Sheeran has announced he is returning to Australia in 2026 for his ‘Loop Tour’, with a massive two-night stadium stop planned for Milton.

A New Album, A New Sound

The tour will support Sheeran’s upcoming album, ‘Play’, which is scheduled for release on Friday, 12 September. The new record already features the recently released singles “Azizam”, “Sapphire”, and “Old Phone”. According to promotional materials from Frontier Touring, the album is an explorative, technicolour pop album that aims to capture the fun and heart of an artist who has been reinvigorated by life and travel.

The tour itself is presented by Frontier Touring and MG Live and will see the English singer-songwriter perform across Australia and New Zealand through January, February, and March of 2026.

Return to Record-Breaking Venues

Brisbane music lovers will be especially excited to hear that Sheeran is booking two nights at Suncorp Stadium in Milton. The suburb is familiar territory for the star, who has a history of hugely successful, sold-out performances at the venue during his 2018 ‘Divide Tour’ and more recently on his record-breaking ‘Mathematics Tour’ in 2023. Beyond Brisbane, the tour will also stop in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, and Melbourne, as well as three cities in New Zealand. Christchurch will welcome Sheeran for the first time in 11 years.

From Pubs to a Phenomenon

The announcement continues a long and successful relationship between Sheeran and his Australian fans. His journey in the country has seen him grow from playing smaller theatres on his first major headlining tour in 2012 to becoming an artist who consistently sells out the nation’s largest stadiums.

The musician, who got his start performing tirelessly in small London pubs with just a guitar and a loop pedal, has become one of the world’s most recognisable artists through iconic albums like + (Plus), × (Multiply), and ÷ (Divide). He is also a highly respected songwriter, having written hit songs for artists like Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber.

How to Secure Your Tickets

For fans eager to attend, tickets will be sold in stages. A Telstra Plus Member presale for the Australian shows will run for 48 hours starting tomorrow, Friday, 25 July. This will be followed by a 24-hour Frontier Member presale beginning on Monday, 28 July. Tickets for the general public will go on sale Tuesday, 29 July, with on-sale times staggered for each city. All shows are for all ages, though it is recommended that children 14 and under are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Published Date 24-July-2025

All Eyes on Suncorp as Broncos Brace for Eels Challenge

Haas is back, Arthars returns, and the Broncos are chasing a sixth straight win to keep a top-four finish in sight. Friday night at Suncorp is set for fireworks as they take on the Eels!

Broncos Reinforcements Arrive at the Right Time

The Broncos have named a strong squad for the July 25 8pm clash at Suncorp Stadium, with several key names returning to the line-up. Payne Haas returns to the front row after a rest, Jesse Arthars is back on the wing, and Corey Jensen joins the bench — giving Brisbane added firepower through the middle.

Xavier Willison retains his starting spot, and the backline remains largely unchanged, with Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs and Deine Mariner all in solid form. Coach Michael Maguire has opted for balance and consistency, with the returning players providing just the right boost as the finals approach.

Currently sitting fifth on the NRL ladder, the Broncos are well positioned to push for a top-four finish. But every point counts — and with a home crowd behind them, Friday’s game is one they can’t afford to let slip.

Eels Welcome Moses, But Finals Hopes Are Gone

While the Broncos have momentum, the Eels are simply fighting for pride. Rooted to the bottom of the table, Parramatta’s season has been one to forget — but the return of halfback Mitch Moses offers a glimmer of hope. He’ll partner Blaize Talagi in the halves, with Dylan Brown left out of this week’s squad.

Coach Jason Ryles is turning to youth and energy to reignite the Eels, bringing in fresh faces like Luca Moretti and Toni Mataele, and relying on senior forwards like Junior Paulo and J’maine Hopgood to hold the middle.

The backline isn’t short on danger, with Josh Addo-Carr and Will Penisini capable of turning the game with a single play. But cohesion has been lacking all year, and the Eels will need to bring their A-game to upset Brisbane on home turf.

Key Match-Ups to Watch

Middle battle: Payne Haas vs Junior Paulo — two powerhouse props who can shift momentum with a single carry. Expect fireworks in the first 20 minutes.

Halfback duel: Adam Reynolds will look to control the game with his kicking and composure, while Mitch Moses brings speed and flair. The contrast in styles could define the match tempo.

Back three shootout: Reece Walsh’s pace and instinct make him a constant threat. Parramatta will need to keep him contained if they want any chance of controlling the scoreboard.

What’s at Stake

For the Broncos, this is a must-win to maintain their push into the finals. With tougher opponents ahead, securing the two points at home is non-negotiable. Fans will be looking for a confident, dominant performance — especially with a full-strength forward pack back on the field.

For the Eels, it’s less about ladder position and more about showing resilience. With finals no longer in the picture, playing spoiler to a finals-bound side like Brisbane could be the fire-starter they need to finish the season with pride.

Broncos vs Eels – Game Day Info

Date: Friday, 25 July 2025
Time: 8:00pm AEST kick-off
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Public gates open: 6:30pm
Broadcast: Live on Channel 9 and Kayo

Final Word

The Broncos are coming in hot, with fresh legs and finals ambitions. The Eels are arriving wounded but unpredictable. Whether you’re in the stands at Suncorp or tuning in from the couch, this Friday night fixture promises action, energy, and a few fireworks.

Broncos fans — the stage is set. Now it’s time to settle in and enjoy the ride.

Published 24-July-2025

Milton Among Over 30 Brisbane Suburbs in School Holiday Road Crackdown

Milton has been among the key suburbs targeted in a large-scale police operation aimed at improving road safety across Brisbane during the school holidays.

Read: Know the Legacy of the Man Behind Adam Smiddy Park in Milton

With thousands of families travelling over the break, police launched one of their biggest traffic enforcement campaigns in years, focusing on areas including Milton, Woolloongabba, Kangaroo Point, Kedron, and South Brisbane. The goal was to curb dangerous driving and prevent serious crashes as traffic volumes increased.

In Milton and surrounding suburbs, officers from highway patrol and general duties teams set up both marked and unmarked enforcement sites, conducting random breath and drug tests as part of a coordinated effort to address the so-called “Fatal Five” — speeding, fatigue, drink and drug driving, distraction, and failing to wear seatbelts.

Over the course of the campaign, which spanned from late June into early July, police across Brisbane conducted 6,731 random breath tests (RBTs) and 454 random drug tests (RDTs). A total of 39 drivers were allegedly caught under the influence — 18 for alcohol and 21 for drugs.

Milton was just one of over 30 suburbs covered in the blitz, with other enforcement zones established in Ascot, Albion, New Farm, Mount Gravatt East, Bracken Ridge, and Bellbowrie, among others.

The crackdown also led to 116 traffic infringement notices, six disqualified and six unlicensed drivers caught, and multiple charges laid for unregistered and uninsured vehicles.

Police say the operation was part of a wider strategy to reduce the number of lives lost on Brisbane roads. This year, Brisbane’s north has recorded a marked improvement in road fatality statistics, with just six deaths reported so far compared to 18 in the same period last year.

Despite the overall drop, officers stress that more work needs to be done, especially in high-traffic areas like Milton, where local roads often carry both commuter and event-related traffic.

Police also responded to several serious incidents during the holidays. These included a crash in Mount Coot-tha involving a driver with a blood alcohol reading of 0.156, and another in Mount Ommaney where a driver allegedly had an alcohol level almost three times the legal limit.

Read: Street Spotlight: Wight St, Milton

Authorities say proactive patrols and targeted operations will continue across Milton and the broader Brisbane region in the coming weeks, as police maintain efforts to make the roads safer for all motorists.

Published 15-July-2025

Wally Lewis’ Long-Lost Jersey Returns for One More Maroons Moment

For 45 years, rugby league legend Wally Lewis believed his iconic maroon jersey from the first-ever State of Origin match was lost to time. But in a twist worthy of Origin folklore, the treasured item resurfaced, just in time to inspire Queensland.

Read: Broncos Aim to Rebuild Trust as Warriors Return to Suncorp

When the Maroons took on New South Wales in Sydney to claim the 2025 Origin series, the jersey, once worn by “The King” himself, was the final image the current Queensland squad saw before taking the field. It was a powerful reminder of legacy, pride, and the enduring spirit of Origin.

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The rediscovery came during a painstaking search through a storage unit, where Wally and his wife Lynda had spent hours sorting through bags and boxes, nearly giving up hope. Then, tucked inside a cardboard box labelled ‘rent-a-clothes’, they found it: the original jersey, safely sealed in a zip-locked bag. The moment moved them deeply, with the couple overcome by emotion.

Photo credit: Wally Lewis Official/Instagram

Rather than risk losing it again, the couple decided to carry the jersey with them by hand, keeping it close every step of the journey to Sydney.

Straight from storage and still bearing the wear of history, the jersey featured in a guard of honour during the Wednesday night match. Lewis stood alongside 16 other players from that first Origin clash in 1980, a powerful tribute to the game’s roots.

Lewis, who has long been considering donating his personal memorabilia collection, saw that moment as part of a larger gesture—sharing his story and the state’s sporting heritage with the fans. Suncorp Stadium had already expressed interest in displaying some of the pieces.

Adding to the emotion of the night, Lewis watched one of his favourite current players, Cameron Munster, take the field while carrying the recent loss of his father. Lewis has previously said Munster’s talent ranks among the best he’s seen, and Wednesday had proved to be a defining moment in the playmaker’s career.

Read: Sunday Sunshine at Suncorp: Broncos to Sunburn Sharks?

From a dusty storage unit to the heart of a stadium filled with passion, Wally Lewis’ lost jersey has found its way back into Queensland’s story, right where it belongs.

Updated 14-July-2025

Broncos Aim to Rebuild Trust as Warriors Return to Suncorp

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.

ROUND 17 PREVIEW

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