The Brisbane Broncos have confirmed the signing of Shawn Blore for the 2027 and 2028 seasons on a two-year deal.
Blore has been a permanent fixture in the Melbourne second-row in recent seasons, but it first emerged at the back-end of 2025 that he was looking for a departure from the club, with a Sydney club his likely destination.
That ultimately didn't happen, with the Broncos pouncing on his signature.
Blore toured Broncos facilities about a fortnight ago per reports, and has now confirmed his future with a new deal that will see him bump up Brisbane's second-row stocks.
“Shawn adds further big game experience and depth to our back row stocks,” Broncos general manager of football Troy Thomson said.
“He knows what it takes to prepare and perform in the NRL on a consistent basis.
“He has a hardworking approach to his football, and we're excited about what he can bring to the Broncos.”
Brisbane currently have major questions over their second-row, with Brendan Piakura's future in question after a fifth concussion.
Jordan Riki is locked up, but Michael Maguire's side were already struggling for depth on the edge of the park heading into this season.
Blore will likely walk straight into the starting side at the Broncos next year as they look to turn things around after a dismal 2026 campaign.
Melbourne losing Blore is not a surprise, but is a blow for the club nonetheless who are still yet to confirm Eliesa Katoa will play again after his traumatic head injury during the 2025 Pacific Championships.
The Storm have unearthed other players on the edge this year, with Blore struggling to get on the field at times, but he will still be a loss to Craig Bellamy's side moving forward.
“Shawn has been an important member of our squad since arriving in 2024 and quickly established himself as a regular starter in our forward pack, helping the team to the 2024 Minor Premiership and consecutive NRL Grand Final appearances," Melbourne's head of football Frank Ponissi said.
“While we're disappointed to see Shawn leave, we understand his decision and wish him, his partner and their family all the best with their move to Brisbane.”
Blore has played just 10 games this year at NRL level, but has 58 since joining the Storm in 2024 to go with another 33 at the Wests Tigers between 2020 and 2023.
