Brisbane Broncos Set for Major Roster Changes
The Brisbane Broncos are preparing for a significant shift in their lineup as they face an injury and suspension crisis. The club is expected to give 20-year-old hooker Cameron Bukowski his NRL debut, marking a pivotal moment in his young career. This decision comes as the team grapples with multiple challenges, including the absence of key players due to injuries and suspensions.
Bukowski recently trained at No.9 for the Broncos’ first-grade squad on Monday, showcasing his potential as a replacement for starting hooker Cory Paix. Paix was ruled out of Saturday night’s clash with the Wests Tigers after sustaining a Category 1 concussion during the match against the Cowboys. However, the Broncos have applied for an exemption, arguing that the injury should not have been classified as Category 1. Even if Paix is allowed to play, it’s likely that Bukowski will be included on the bench under coach Michael Maguire.
Injury Woes Continue for the Broncos
Ben Hunt is sidelined with a knee injury, while Blake Mozer suffered a fractured jaw in his first NRL game since 2024 on Friday night. Additionally, Billy Walters is not yet ready to return, creating an opportunity for Bukowski to step into the spotlight.
“Cam’s been battling away and fighting and working hard in the background at training, so an opportunity might be around the corner for him,” Maguire said after the Broncos’ loss to the Cowboys. “In the middle you’re obviously going to get targeted, but he gets a pretty good apprenticeship with Payno [Payne Haas] and Xavier Willison – big boys who are running at him.”
Adam Reynolds is set to return after training on Monday, but Reece Walsh remains out with a fractured eye socket. Aublix Tawha suffered a similar injury in the Queensland Cup last week, further compounding the team’s challenges. Patrick Carrigan has also been suspended for two games following a high tackle.
Melbourne Storm Faces Major Rebuild
Meanwhile, the Melbourne Storm is also undergoing changes as they look to turn their fortunes around. After four consecutive losses, the team sits 13th on the ladder heading into Round 7 against Canberra. Coach Craig Bellamy has vowed to make necessary adjustments, stating that both staff and players must take responsibility for the current situation.
“I think we all have got to take responsibility and if there’s people not doing their jobs properly, well we need to make changes,” Bellamy said after a heavy defeat by the Warriors. “And that’s with staff as well as players, so it doesn’t matter how old they are or young they are or whatever. We just need to get it right. We just need to make a few changes without a doubt and go from there.”
Potential New Faces in the Storm Lineup
Several players are in contention for selection as the Storm looks to shake up their performance. Joe Chan has drawn attention after a half-time intervention from Bellamy, while young talent Cooper Clarke has been performing well on the edge. Shawn Blore and Ativalu Lisati are nearing returns from injury, and Moses Leo could be facing the axe. Young gun Hugo Peel and former Raider Manaia Waitere are in line for selection.
Key Players Returning for Other Teams
Elsewhere, the Wests Tigers and Newcastle Knights are expected to welcome back star halves Jarome Luai and Dylan Brown. This development could provide a boost to their respective teams as they aim to climb the ladder.
The coming weeks will be crucial for both the Broncos and the Storm as they navigate through their challenges and seek to regain their form on the field. With several players set to make their debuts or return to action, the NRL season is shaping up to be an exciting one.
