Key Updates on Brisbane Broncos’ Lineup
Brisbane Broncos head coach Michael Maguire has confirmed that Payne Haas will be available to play in the upcoming match against the Gold Coast Titans. This comes after Haas was withdrawn from last week’s game against the Dolphins due to a shoulder injury. Initially, the club did not confirm whether Haas would return within a week, but Maguire confirmed on Friday morning that Haas has successfully completed the last two training sessions without any issues and is ready to take part in the game.
“Yep, he will play, definitely,” Maguire stated to the media. “He is okay. The last two sessions he has been in all of the session so if you can do that, you’re ready to go.”
Maguire emphasized the importance of Haas’ return, highlighting the impact he brings to the team. “It’s nice to have Payne in, but it’s also nice to see the team do well with the depth of what we have from last week. But having someone like Payne come back in, we know what Payne brings, he is obviously a special man and a special player in the things he does for us.”
Haas, who has averaged 162 metres per game across his three performances this season, will return to the prop position, with Xavier Willison moving to the interchange bench. This adjustment allows the team to maintain its strength and depth on the field.
Team Changes and Player Decisions
Another significant change for the Broncos involves the exclusion of Josiah Karapani following an off-field incident last weekend. The decision was made after consultation with senior players, and Maguire explained that maintaining the club’s standards and culture is crucial.
“He has been going really well for us and he still will, but the players and all of us within the organisation have set out expectations which is about protecting and looking after our culture,” Maguire said. “Obviously, people do make a mistake, but how you treat them and what they do is a reflection of where we want to build and what we want to be as a club, and it’s very important.”
Karapani, who has yet to score this year, has averaged 153 metres per game across four appearances and has broken nine tackles. Despite his performance, Maguire noted that Karapani is not guaranteed an immediate recall to the starting lineup.
New Additions to the Backline
The Broncos’ backline will feature Jesse Arthars, making his first appearance since last year. Arthars has shown strong form and is expected to contribute significantly to the team’s performance. Additionally, Gehamat Shibasaki will replace the injured Grant Anderson in the lineup.
Shibasaki, who was previously dropped to the bench for Anderson’s inclusion, has proven his capability by earning a State of Origin debut last year. Meanwhile, Arthars was moved to the back-end of the 2025 season despite scoring 11 tries during the season.
Maguire expressed confidence in Arthars’ return, stating, “I’m looking forward to seeing how Jesse goes, so that will sort itself out down the track.” He emphasized that the team’s focus remains on performance and maintaining high standards.
Match Details and Preparation
The Broncos will face the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday at 5:30 pm (AEST) on the Gold Coast. Both teams will reduce their lineups to 20 players 24 hours before kick-off, ensuring that only the most prepared and fit players are selected for the match.
With Haas back in the lineup and key changes made to the backline, the Broncos are poised to challenge the Titans effectively. The team’s ability to adapt and maintain its performance under pressure will be critical in determining the outcome of the game.
