The Brisbane Broncos' rising hooker Blake Mozer was set to spend a stint in Belmore before the June 30 deadline in a bid to get more game-time under his belt following a horror run with injuries.
The crafty nine only played 13 games across four seasons due to injuries, and coach Michael Maguire was keen to get him some game-time following a fierce competition in the dummy half role, against teammates in Billy Walters, Corey Paix, Ben Hunt, and Cameron Bukowski.
Mozer has had to deal with jaw, knee, and shoulder surgeries, crippling his opportunities at proving why he deserves to be a long-term Bronco.
With a blocked path to the NRL Broncos side, reports from the Courier Mail reveal the club wanted to secure a short-term deal with the Bulldogs to have him on loan to pick up some experience in the NRL.
Although negotiations broke down between both parties following the Bulldogs requesting a longer stint beyond 2026, and Maguire insisting on having Mozer in his side for the start of next year.
The Belmore-based club eventually picked up Freddy Lussick on a two-year deal, and both parties went their way as Mozer continues to find his path to the top grade obstructed by star talent in front of him.
Mozer is free to negotiate with rival clubs on November 1 this year, following his contract expiring at the end of 2027.
Although Maguire has confirmed Mozer in his plans for the club, with the tide eventually expected to turn and bring him more opportunities in the NRL.
“I like Blake, I really do,” Maguire said to the Courier Mail.
“We're fortunate that we have ‘Paixy', Billy and ‘Hunty' and Blake has unfortunately been on the sidelines through some injuries.
“But I haven't given up on him at all and he's now getting some chances to start clocking up some games.
“I keep saying to Blake, ‘Mate, just enjoy playing footy' and his luck will turn.”
Mozer will make his fifth appearance for the year off the six-man interchange bench this weekend following the omission of Paix, who underwent shoulder surgery on Wednesday.
He has progressed through the Broncos pathways since he was 13 years-old, and is a graduate of the highly prestigious Keebra Park State High School, making his NRL debut in 2023.
Despite the club re-signing Ben Hunt for 2027, Maguire insists there's still a place for him at Brisbane.
“Blake has a future here,” Maguire said.
“You've got to have a good-quality spine because at some stage someone's going to get an injury.
“Blake is getting better every time he plays and it's great to have that internal competition among the guys.
“They understand the depth we've got, which is good.”
The Broncos will host the high-flying Warriors on Saturday, in the club's fourth-last game of their title-defence season.
