As the Brisbane Broncos look ahead to the 2025 NRL season and beyond, the looming issue of free agency weighs heavily on the club’s future success. Among the players whose contracts are set to expire, hooker Billy Walters stands out as a key figure for Brisbane. Walters has played a pivotal role in the Broncos’ spine, contributing both in attack and defense, while also providing leadership on the field. His consistent form and experience make him a crucial asset to the team, but with several other high-profile players in a similar situation, securing Walters’ services could prove to be a difficult task.
In addition to Walters, there are several other players in Brisbane’s squad who are integral to the club’s short-term and long-term aspirations. At the top of the list is Payne Haas, one of the NRL’s premier props, whose power and work rate have made him a cornerstone of the Broncos’ forward pack. Haas is widely regarded as one of the game’s best players and securing his future at the club will be essential if Brisbane hopes to compete for premierships in the coming years.
Other critical assets include the dynamic young halfback, Ezra Mam, who has shown great promise as a playmaker. Mam’s ability to steer the team around the park and his exciting attacking potential make him one of the most valuable assets in the Broncos’ ranks. Similarly, fullback Reece Walsh’s skillset and versatility have proven to be invaluable since his arrival, and keeping him at the club will be vital to ensuring Brisbane’s competitiveness in the NRL.
Outside backs such as Herbie Farnworth and Kotoni Staggs also represent important pieces of the Broncos’ future, with both players offering strong defensive capabilities and attacking flair. Farnworth, in particular, has become one of the most reliable centres in the league, while Staggs’ physicality and ability to break tackles make him a constant threat.
Brisbane’s management will need to make crucial decisions in order to retain these players while balancing the salary cap. As these key assets near the end of their contracts, the Broncos must act swiftly to keep their squad intact and build for a successful future. Negotiations with these players will determine how the club can move forward in its pursuit of an NRL premiership.
