Two additional players will leave the Brisbane Broncos at the end of the season as the team's major overhaul continues under Michael Maguire, the former NRL champions' coach. High-profile prop Payne Haas, who is headed to Souths, and retiring captain Adam Reynolds will conclude their time at the Broncos after 2026 amid a $3 million roster transformation.
Origin centre Gehamat Shibasaki will join the Perth Bears next season, while winger Jesse Arthars is bound for the UK to play with the Catalans Dragons. The Warriors have acquired Grant Anderson, and veteran forward Corey Jensen was compelled to retire due to health issues earlier this year. Recently, it was also confirmed that Delouise Hoeter will leave after failing to secure a new contract.
As the Broncos prepare for their final game of the season against Canterbury on Thursday night, reports from News Corp indicate that Jaiyden Hunt will join Canberra next season, while back-rower Jack Gosiewski has not received an extension offer. This means that nine members of Maguire's 30-man squad will depart by 2027, placing a significant challenge on the premiership-winning coach to rebuild after missing the finals this year.
Haas, the six-time club best-and-fairest, is undoubtedly the most significant departure, but the Broncos have signed Mitch Barnett from the Warriors and NSW Origin to fill that gap. Former Maroons coach Billy Slater believes Barnett's addition is vital for Brisbane's resurgence in 2027, stating, "Mitch Barnett is exactly what they (the Broncos) need."
Slater added, "James Fisher-Harris is a great leader and you can see the impact that he's had on the Warriors - but Mitch Barnett is equally as good." He also mentioned his initial concerns about Barnett due to his past ACL injury but acknowledged Barnett's impressive performance.
Barnett will also help raise standards and fill the leadership gap at the Broncos next season. However, Maguire expressed the need for one more middle forward to relieve pressure on Barnett, Pat Carrigan, and Xavier Willison in Haas's absence. "Realistically, I'd like one more senior player to help there," said the Brisbane coach. "We're looking for one more forward who can complement what's coming off the bench. When you look at the depth, we need to be better in that space."