The Brisbane Broncos are in rare air as they have become the first team in the NRL era to finish in the competitions bottom-four the season after winning the premiership - Michael Maguire has a big job on his hands to turn the club around in season 2027.
As a turbulent 2026 season both on and off the field comes to an end for the Broncos including an eight-game losing streak, a mass roster clean-out has led towards a rebuild with a change of personnel set to lead them around Red Hill.
With nine confirmed departures from their current squad, finding their replacements holds the key for their outcome in 2027.
Where it went wrong in 2026
The extended injury list to a host of star players is inexcusable in the current state that modern rugby league is in, with a number of other clubs suffering as well. Instead it was the lack of depth in the Broncos roster across key positions that exposed major defensive weaknesses.
Conceding an average of 28.5 points heading into the final round of the season is amongst the worst this season, a figure that will not win you rugby league games when your attack is failing to fire on a consistent basis.
With only four new named recruits coming to the Red-Hill based club next season (Dane Gagai, Shawn Blore, Mitchell Barnett, Jonah Pezet), the Broncos recruitment staff either have to get busy in the transfer market or rely on their youth to lead their future.
Replacing Payne Haas
Leading the roster overhaul is the departure of Payne Haas who has signed a three-year-deal with the Rabbitohs starting in 2027. Haas departs the Broncos after nine seasons at the club where he was pivotal in delivering their first premiership since 2006.
When losing arguably one of the best front-rowers in history, it was important for the Broncos to identify a replacement to lead their pack, however not only did they find someone on the open market, they were able to develop a young sensation through an injury-plagued season.
Origin starting prop Mitch Barnett was signed as the Haas replacement on a deal through til the end of 2029, a decision that was influenced by the relationship he had grown with Maguire during Blues camp.
By the end of Barnett's deal he will be 35, a decision that has raised question marks amongst fans.
Injuries throughout the season allowed young forward Xavier Willison to gain valuable experience in various positions where he has proven that come Round 1 next year he must partnering Barnett if the Broncos are any chance of pushing for a return to the finals.
Halves pairing
The halves dilemma has been a major talking point heading into next year after Adam Reynolds announced his retirement from the sport and star-recruit Jonah Pezet having an unsettled season at the Eels in his 'stopover' deal.
At various stages of the year, young-gun Tom Duffy has been called upon, most notably his performance in a losing side against the Cowboys in Round 6.
With Ben Hunt announcing a one-year contract extension for next year, there is a three horse race to the no.7 jersey to partner Ezra Mam in the halves.
It will be essential for Maguire to get his new halves pairing sorted during pre-season otherwise the same narrative may be written in 2027.
Ben Hunt's role
After returning to the Broncos in 2025 and earning his illusive premiership ring, Hunt's 2026 campaign has seen him spend time both at halfback and coming off the interchange bench.
At this point of his career and the youthful halves at the club Hunt's role seemingly has to change to a permanent interchange option, whether that be a feature of the extended 19-man bench or in the no.14 jersey, a position he played throughout his Origin career.
Starting dummy-half is not an option for Maguire, the impact of Billy Walters running game is a spark for the teams attack and that no.9 must be his.
Reece Walsh.
The only time the Broncos looked a threat to any opposition in 2026 was when Walsh had his hands on the ball.
Whether it was through making or creating linebreaks, being a last play kicking option, a 40-20 threat or using his shear speed, Walsh was the centre of Brisbanes attack when on the park.
Unlocking consistency will be the key to the Broncos attack in 2027 and Reece Walsh is their x-factor.
Verdict
If the Broncos are able to solve their halves pairing early in the season and come up with an impactful bench rotation they would become genuine top-eight contenders.
If more uncertainties arise and the Broncos aren't assertive in their direction, fans could be in for much of the same in 2027.
