Michael Maguire, the coach of the Brisbane Broncos, has faced difficult decisions this season due to fierce competition for positions in the team. One notable casualty is rookie Ben Talty, who despite showing promise, will not play in the grand final as he has been replaced by the more versatile Tyson Smoothy. Maguire highlighted Smoothy’s contributions throughout the season, praising his ability to justify the selection after limited game time and noting his capacity to perform in multiple roles.
Maguire expressed regret in informing Talty about his omission, stemming from the rookie’s commendable efforts on the field. He acknowledged the emotional weight of such decisions and recognised the contributions of players like Talty, who helped the team rise from 11th to 4th on the league ladder following a mid-season shift in strategy.
This season, the Broncos have seen significant player rotations, with 25 different members taking the field. Such depth has been crucial for their success, allowing them to withstand injuries and suspensions to key players. Maguire attributes their current competitive standing to the quality of players available and the intense internal competition that has characterised the team’s dynamics.
As the Broncos prepare for the 2025 NRL grand final against the Melbourne Storm at Accor Stadium, the excitement builds around the key match day schedule set for October 5. The final will kick off at 7:30 pm AEDT, following preliminary events, including the NRLW grand final. The grand final entertainment will feature Grammy-nominated artist Teddy Swims.
Leading into the final, the Broncos and Storm have both announced their squads, with notable names like Cameron Munster and Payne Haas expected to be crucial. The premiership odds currently favour the Storm, but fans are optimistic about the Broncos breaking their 19-year premiership drought.
Additionally, the Clive Churchill Medal, awarded to the best performer in the grand final, will likely see fierce competition among stars from both teams, with the likes of Munster, Grant, and Haas emerging as front-runners in betting markets.
The final promises to be a thrilling culmination of a season that has tested the resilience and depth of the Broncos, making it an unmissable event for fans and supporters alike.