The Brisbane Broncos ended a 19-year premiership drought by clinching the 2025 NRL Grand Final.

But winning one is one thing. Maintaining dominance is another. To defend their title and stay at the top, several key players will need to take their performances up another notch. These are five Broncos whose individual improvement will be vital to Brisbane's 2026 campaign.

4. Reece Walsh

Reece Walsh went to another level in 2025. Many have called his grand final performance one of the most influential in NRL history. His try in the first half came off a quick play-the-ball from Kobe Hetherington, followed by his signature cut-out passing that led to multiple tries. He was electric from start to finish and was rightfully awarded the Clive Churchill Medal.

Walsh has an aura rarely seen in modern rugby league. Many at Red Hill believe it's reminiscent of Allan Langer. While he is not a halfback, he is every bit as influential to Brisbane's success. For over 25 years, the club has searched for a player who could carry the same kind of weight on the big stage. Walsh has become that player.

Why his role is so important if Brisbane want to go back-to-back

  • His speed and natural flair were the catalysts behind Brisbane's surge and ultimately their premiership win.
  • He can turn games on his own, but what made 2025 special was his maturity — picking his moments more carefully and lifting his work without the ball.
  • The entire finals series felt like it moved to the rhythm of his execution and willpower. When Walsh was switched on, so were the Broncos.
  • Defences will target him heavily in 2026. How he handles that pressure will define Brisbane's title defence.

Key areas of focus for 2026

  • Minimising mistakes and choosing his moments to inject himself more sparingly but more destructively.
  • Improving his defensive communication and positioning to complement his attacking brilliance.
  • Continuing to build his fitness base so he contributes as much to the grind as the highlight reel.
  • Using his newfound status as a premiership winner to provide genuine leadership.
  • Using the threat of his involvement to free up the enormous amount of attacking talent around him.

Walsh is now the rockstar of the NRL. With a ring on his finger and a team built to dominate, the next step is evolving from superstar to cornerstone leader. If he achieves that balance, Brisbane will be very hard to beat again in 2026.