Broncos coach Michael Maguire could be set for a number of shock selection calls in round one with Gehamat Shibasaki in line to usurp Deine Mariner, while Brendan Piakura is also in a battle to retain his position. But in a boost for the Broncos Kotoni Staggs is nearing a contract extension. Maguire recently admitted Selwyn Cobbo will most likely see a return to the wing this season having been named to start against the Bulldogs out wide.

However, Shibasaki’s inclusion raised eyebrows with flyer Mariner left on the bench with no explanation. Broncos fans speculated Mariner could be nursing an injury, which explained his exclusion from the strong starting side lining-up against the Bulldogs this Saturday.

Mariner was one of the stars for the Broncos, under former coach Kevin Walters, last year having scored 17 tries in 21 games. The flyer’s speed was a huge bonus for a backline that suffered too many injuries as the Broncos tumbled out of the top eight.

However, Maguire has thrown a curveball to Brisbane Broncos fans has suggested Shibasaki could be in line to start in round one. The 27-year-old train-and-trial star has impressed Maguire during his brutal pre-season camp and the coach is considering starting Shibasaki.

Reports suggest the Broncos are moving to upgrade Shibasaki’s development contract and he could be in line to feature in 2025. This could see Mariner and Cobbo in a shoot-out for a position either on the wing or centre with Staggs all set to wrap-up a new deal. Staggs is a certainty to start for the Broncos at centre.

Jesse Arthars appears a lock in one wing position after a brilliant performance in the NRL All-Stars exhibition. Mariner, Cobbo and now Shibasaki appear to be in a three-way race to make the starting 13. Shibasaki has only played three games in his NRL career since 2017, but appears a real shot at starting in round one. He isn’t the only player potentially battling for his position.

Brendan Piakura has been named on the bench to play the Bulldogs. Jordan Riki and Jack Gosiewski were named in the second-row with Piakura on the extended bench. Piakura was a regularlar under Walters, but appears to also be fighting to retain is position. in the starting 13.

Kotoni Staggs keen to lock up Broncos deal

Staggs is another Broncos veteran who has made an impression with Maguire recently praising the centre as one of the team’s leaders. Staggs has made it very clear he wants to stay in Brisbane and sign a new deal with the club.

Reports suggest either Cobbo or Staggs will have to take a large pay cut if they are both to stay at the club. Although Cobbo appears to be the one on the fringe with AAP reporting Staggs is close to signing a new deal under Maguire.

“As a young kid this is where I wanted to be and I couldn’t see myself anywhere else,” Staggs said. ” I have just got to play good footy this year and perform well.

“My footy will do the talking and I have good people behind me who will do the talking as well. I will leave it in their hands. I love the club and have been signed at the club for 11 years. I’ve played first-grade for eight. It means a lot to me. I am comfortable here.”

This could see Cobbo on the outer, unless he is resigned to taking a pay cut. Maguire has declared he’s hoping to keep Cobbo, and wants to see how he responds in the early part of the 2025 season

Reece Walsh has appeared to take a cheeky swipe at rival coach Shane Flanagan in his post-match interview as Michael Maguire’s decision to bring Ben Hunt to the Broncos already looks like a masterstroke. Walsh looks primed to have his best season in the NRL having showed his electric speed and decision-making in the Broncos’ 30-14 victory over a strong Bulldogs line-up.

Maguire opted to play a similarly strong side in the pre-season challenge and after an initial arm-wrestle, the Broncos took complete control with Hunt and Adam Reynolds controlling the game with their kicking. The Broncos forward pack muscled-up and it allowed the likes of Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo to dominate out wide with Brisbane’s backline showing their X-facto

Walsh was taken off as a precaution before the second-half, seen with ice on his leg, but showed why he is ready for a statement season having set-up Jesse Arthars for a try. Fans are already suggesting Walsh could find himself in his first Dally M race in 2025, such was his early conditioning and performance against the Bulldogs.