The scars still remain for the Brisbane Broncos after losing to Nathan Cleary’s Panthers in the grand final, but the rugby league cycle is already beginning to churn once again as players return for the pre-season slog with a fresh campaign already nearing on the horizon.
Despite the heartbreak, the club’s CEO, Dave Donaghy, is adamant all is well at Red Hill as Kevin Walters' side attempt to go one better next season while dealing with difficult recruitment and retention decisions.
"Our group is in a really good spot and our club is in a really good spot," Donaghy told SEN. "There’s a lot of positivity around and, more importantly, the playing group is really connected.
"They’re all really close, enjoy playing for Kev and are enjoying the environment and culture that Kev and all of his staff have set."
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Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam tipped to remain at Brisbane Broncos long-term
Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam helped guide the Broncos through to the grand final where they fell agonisingly short of securing the club’s first premiership in 17 years.
However, the resurgence has come at a price with the club desperate to lock down a number of stars, including their star duo, who are set for contract renewals.
"They can all see what they’re building and all being such good mates, I’m sure we’ll have a lot of players re-commit to the club in the not-too-distant future," Donaghy said.
"We know they love the footy club and vice versa the footy club loves them. It’s a great fit and we’d certainly love to see them continue at the Broncos."
Brisbane’s return to a powerhouse in the NRL is reminiscent of Penrith’s current golden era with the side constructed from players who have progressed through their youth ranks.
Walsh and Mam are prime examples of this in practice with the fullback shining for the Broncos and Queensland, while Mam notched a hat-trick during the grand final.
"I think it was 14 of the 17 in our grand final team who came through our academy system, so they’re really part of our DNA," Donaghy said.
"The important thing for us is to provide them with the environment where they can compete for premierships.
"We’re very privileged to be part of the club but it’s also a great place to live, so when you throw all that into the mix, I think it’s a perfect place for those two guys and all our other guys who we will hopefully lock in to help compete for titles over the next few years."
Adam Reynolds contract news: Brisbane hoping to re-sign veteran halfback
At the other end of the spectrum when it comes to contract negotiations, skipper Adam Reynolds is also in discussions to prolong his career at Brisbane.
"Knowing Adam, I think he’d like to play until he’s 50," Donaghy joked when asked on the club’s plans to retain him after his current deal expires in 2024.
"He’d be smart enough to, but I’m not sure the body will hold up until he’s 50."
The CEO praised the halfback’s impact on Brisbane’s young playing squad, while he also hinted that Reynolds may stick around at the club long after his playing days are over in another capacity.
"He’s been amazing for us," Donaghy said.
"What he’s brought to our footy club and the leadership - not just on the field but in the locker room.
"He’s a father of four kids. It was a big call for them to move up to relocate from everything they knew and all of their family and friends.
"Like most Southerners who move up and realise how great Queensland is and particularly Brisbane - how much it has to offer both professionally and personally - I honestly can’t see him moving back either through his playing days or post."
Broncos 2024 season opener: Brisbane originally knocked back American match
Brisbane will start their season in Las Vegas when they take on the Sydney Roosters in early March next year.
Although Donaghy admitted the club initially knocked back an approach to be involved, until an intervention from Australian Rugby League Commission chairman, Peter V’landys, and NRL CEO, Andrew Abdo, caused a change of heart.
"It’s a big commitment and we’ve gone into it eyes wide open," Donaghy said.
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"For us, we were approached prior to this year but it wasn’t the right time. We were approached again throughout the course of this year…where Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo pitched a vision for the game to carve out even a small market share.
"The Broncos are our first priority, but we also want to be a big supporter of the game as well.
"I’m a big believer in you want to be part of history and this will be history in the making when we play the first ever game for premiership points in the US."
