By worldlive 
Brisbane Broncos 2025 Season Preview: Squad Breakdown, Key Players, Tactical Analysis, Fixtures & Premiership Prospects…
The Brisbane Broncos enter the 2025 NRL season with high expectations as they aim to build on recent campaigns and challenge for premiership glory.
With a squad filled with elite talent, a strong mix of youth and experience, and a well-established game plan under head coach Kevin Walters, the Broncos are poised to be a top contender.
This in-depth preview will analyze their squad composition, key players, tactical approach, fixtures, potential challenges, and overall expectations for the season.
Squad Breakdown: Gains and Losses
Brisbane’s recruitment and retention strategy has focused on maintaining its core while adding depth in crucial areas. The club made calculated roster changes to strengthen its premiership push.
Key Signings
- (New Forward Signing) – A powerful middle forward who adds impact off the bench.
- (New Outside Back Signing) – Provides experience and reliability in the backline.
- (Young Emerging Talent) – A promising player promoted from the junior ranks.
Key Departures
- (Veteran Forward) – A leader in the pack who moved on for a bigger contract elsewhere.
- (Depth Outside Back) – Left in search of more playing opportunities.
- (Retired Star) – A long-serving club legend who hung up the boots.
While the Broncos lost a few experienced names, their recruitment has ensured continuity while addressing key areas for improvement.
Key Players to Watch in 2025
Reece Walsh (Fullback)
One of the most electrifying players in the NRL, Walsh is a game-changer with his blistering speed, sharp footwork, and instinctive playmaking.
He will be crucial in attack, linking up with the halves and exploiting defensive gaps. His ability to create tries from broken play makes him a constant threat.
Adam Reynolds (Halfback & Captain)
At 34 years old, Reynolds remains the Broncos’ chief playmaker and leader. His precise kicking game, composure under pressure, and ability to control the tempo make him irreplaceable.
However, his durability will be a key concern, as injuries have impacted him in past seasons. If he stays fit, Brisbane’s premiership hopes remain strong.
Ezra Mam (Five-Eighth)
The young five-eighth continues to develop into one of the game’s most dynamic playmakers. His speed, agility, and instinctive attacking ability make him a dangerous weapon in the Broncos’ spine. Expect Mam to take on more responsibility in playmaking this season.
Payne Haas (Prop)
Arguably the best front-rower in the NRL, Haas is the backbone of Brisbane’s forward pack. His work rate, stamina, and ability to bend the defensive line with every carry make him a crucial figure. His performances will dictate how dominant Brisbane can be through the middle.
Pat Carrigan (Lock)
A leader both on and off the field, Carrigan’s toughness, ball-playing ability, and defensive resilience make him a key piece of Brisbane’s structure. He provides stability in the forward pack and is a crucial link between the halves and forwards.
Tactical Approach in 2025
Attacking Strategy
The Broncos’ attack is built around speed, offloads, and second-phase play. With Walsh, Mam, and Reynolds leading the charge, Brisbane’s attack thrives on quick shifts, exploiting defensive weaknesses, and creating opportunities in broken play.
- Fast-Paced Attack: Walsh’s ability to support line breaks makes Brisbane a dangerous counter-attacking team.
- Reynolds’ Kicking Game: Whether through short kicks, grubbers, or long-range kicks, Reynolds will dictate field position.
- Forwards Generating Momentum: Haas, Carrigan, and the forward pack will focus on winning the ruck to create space for the playmakers.
Defensive Structure
Brisbane has evolved into one of the stronger defensive teams in the NRL, but there are still areas to refine.
- Middle Defense: With Haas and Carrigan leading the pack, Brisbane is solid in the middle third of the field.
- Edge Defense: One area of concern has been defending against fast shifts, particularly targeting their wingers. This will need to improve.
- Game Management: Brisbane must ensure they maintain defensive discipline, particularly in tight matches.
Key Areas for Improvement
- Game Management in Close Matches: The Broncos have struggled to close out tight games in past seasons. Improved composure will be crucial.
- Discipline: Avoiding unnecessary penalties and maintaining defensive shape.
- Handling Pressure in Finals: Brisbane must prove they can handle big-game situations and deliver when it matters most.
Season Fixtures & Challenges
Brisbane will face a tough draw, with key clashes that will define their season. The mid-season State of Origin period will once again test their squad depth, as several key players will likely be selected for representative duties.
Key Games to Watch
- Brisbane Broncos vs. Sydney Roosters – A clash between two premiership contenders.
- Brisbane Broncos vs. Melbourne Storm – The historic rivalry continues in what is always a fiery contest.
- Brisbane Broncos vs. Penrith Panthers – A potential grand final preview.
- State of Origin Period Matches – With key players missing, depth will be tested.
How Brisbane navigates these matches will significantly impact their ladder position and momentum heading into the finals.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
✅ Elite Spine: Walsh, Reynolds, and Mam provide one of the most potent attacking combinations in the NRL.
✅ Powerful Forward Pack: Haas and Carrigan lead a strong pack that dominates the middle.
✅ Explosive Attack: Brisbane is one of the most dangerous teams in broken play.
✅ Home Advantage: Suncorp Stadium remains a fortress where they thrive in front of passionate fans.
Weaknesses
❌ Injury Concerns: Reynolds’ health will be a major factor in their success.
❌ Game Management Issues: Closing out tight matches has been an issue.
❌ Edge Defense Vulnerability: Opponents have found ways to exploit Brisbane’s outside edges.
Final Prediction & Premiership Chances
The Brisbane Broncos have all the tools to be a top-four team and a genuine premiership contender. Their mix of experience, young stars, and strong forward dominance positions them well to challenge the best teams in the competition.
Best-Case Scenario:
- Brisbane finishes in the top two, secures a home final, and makes a deep run to the Grand Final, with a strong chance of winning the premiership.
Worst-Case Scenario:
- Injuries, particularly to Reynolds or Walsh, impact their consistency, and they struggle to close out key games, finishing outside the top four.
Predicted Finish: 2nd – 4th (Genuine Premiership Contender)
If Brisbane can stay fit, maintain their attacking fluency, and improve in tight-game situations, they have a legitimate shot at claiming their first NRL title since 2006.
Will 2025 be the year the Broncos return to premiership glory? Time will tell, but all signs point to them being a force to be reckoned with.