Home Ground: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Coach: Michael Maguire

TAB odds: Premiers $8

The Broncos have experienced significant organisational changes this off-season, including a new coaching staff, support personnel, but few key player acquisitions, indicating a strategic shift for the 2025 season. Michael Maguire has assumed leadership at Red Hill, implementing a rigorous training regimen, and he is one serious taskmaster.

BEN HUNT returns to the Broncos, with the former Dragons skipper set to partner ADAM REYNOLDS in the halves to start the season, before taking on hooking duties once EZRA MAM returns, as he has done to great effect in the representative arena. Other than that, Maguire will have a similar squad at his disposal as Kevin Walters did for the horror 2024 season.

Following recent surgery, PAYNE HASS is projected to achieve full fitness by Round 1 and assume his leadership role after a 2024 season impacted by injury. Meanwhile, the club's emerging players are eager to capitalise on their opportunities, with competition for the hooker position and bench spots anticipated to be highly contested. Maguire has many options open for the No.9, with incumbent BILLY WALTERS facing a challenge from young gun BLAKE MOZER, while TYSON SMOOTHY and forgotten man CORY PAIX are also looking to make the 17 for Round 1.

Following internal discussions, Coach Maguire has indicated a preference for reinstating SELWYN COBBO to the wing position in 2024, after his recent tenure in the centres. Fullback REECE WALSH was fairly dynamic to start last year, but seemed to lose his way and try far too much silly stuff in the absence of REYNOLDS. The massive hit by SUALII in Origin I may have rattled his thought process a little, because he went downhill after that. But the backs are talented, the forwards gifted and they have a halves pairing many clubs would be envious of. At Suncorp they will be good to watch - away from home, possibly not as effective.

First five: Roosters (A), Raiders (A), Cowboys (H), Dolphins (A), Tigers (H)

Last year's finish: 12th

Predicted 2025 finish: 7th

PREDICTED STARTING SIDE

1. REECE WALSH

2. JESSE ARTHAR

3. KOTONI STAGGS

4. DEINE MARINER

5. SELWYN COBBO

6. BEN HUNT

7. ADAM REYNOLDS

8. PAYNE HAAS

9. BLAKE MOZER

10. COREY JENSEN

11. BRENDAN PIAKURA

12. JORDAN RIKI

13. PATRICK CARRIGAN

14. BILLY WALTERS

15. KOBE HETHERINGTON

16. XAVIER WILLISON

17. BEN TE KURA

PRE SEASON: Sun 16 Feb

Broncos v Titans at Clive Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba 3:30pm

Sat 22 Feb

Broncos v Bulldogs at Kayo Stadium 5:30pm