2025 NRL Team Previews

Brisbane Broncos NRL 2025 Team Preview, Predictions & Player Movement

Ryan Tucker

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Last updated: Fri 07 Feb 2025 11:50

Ryan Tucker 07 Feb 2025

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Brisbane Broncos predicted to finish 6th in 2025.
New coach Michael Maguire expected to boost team performance.
Key player additions include Ben Hunt; Payne Haas eyeing Dally M.

Payne Haas celebrates with team mate Reece Walsh. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

NRL 2025 Team Previews, Predictions & Player Movement: Brisbane Broncos

Where Brisbane Broncos finish in 2025: 6

Brisbane should improve on last year’s finish just by getting their players on the park. A couple of close losses with key players out would likely be reversed and all of a sudden this team is in a much better spot.

Some more experience in the halves as well as a new coach will often breathe some new life into the attack, as long as their defence can stand up when needed this will be a team that will feature in finals.

Projected Win total: 13

The Pythagorean expectation had Brisbane at 11 wins (actual 10) last season. Based over multiple seasons though the number increases with their scoring taking a big hit last year due to their injuries.

Our prediction is the model is pretty spot on here with 13 wins, they are a dynamic attacking team but have weaknesses defensively. A new coach will somewhat influence effort which could be the difference in that 12-14 win space.

Best contender for Dally M: Payne Haas

Payne Haas was the best placed Bronco on the Dally M list in 2023 but his injury riddled season last year kept him to just 14 games. Reece Walsh could be another contender from this team but forwards are often rewarded on a more consistent basis for their efforts.

What’s to like

Much of the poor form that the Broncos displayed in 2024 could be put down to injuries and coaching. Whether or not you believe that is dependant on your like or dislike of this team. There is no doubting thought they are a much better team on the park when Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Adam Reynolds are healthy and all are coming into this season without any troubles. Add Ben Hunt into the mixture and the spine is up there with the best in the comp.

Michael Maguire coming in as a new coach is positive news considering how well he has handled jobs with New Zealand, NSW and in his first stint in the NRL with Souths

What’s NOT to like

The Broncos allowed 50% of opposition tries down their left side in 2024. There has been no change in personnel in the outside backs which would signal a significant increase in defensive capabilities out wide. They are also injury prone. With Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt in the halves they are one of the oldest and smallest pairings in the comp which will make them a target for opposition big men.