LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Brisbane Broncos are preparing to part ways with forward Fletcher Baker at the end of the season.
Baker, who came from the Sydney Roosters, joined the Broncos at the beginning of 2024 but has only appeared in 14 first-grade matches over two seasons.
Before his move to Brisbane, he played 45 games for the Roosters between 2021 and 2023 but struggled to secure a permanent spot in coach Trent Robinson's top 17, often finding himself on the fringes of the team.
When Baker arrived in Brisbane, it seemed like a mutually beneficial opportunity as then-coach Kevin Walters aimed to strengthen the front row. However, the situation has not turned out as expected, with Baker managing only 12 games last year and having limited impact. This season, he has played just two games, with 18 and 25 minutes of play during consecutive losses to the South Sydney Rabbitohs and St George Illawarra Dragons in Rounds 10 and 11.
His role in the team's plans has diminished, although he was named 18th man in Round 25 against the Newcastle Knights. Baker has fallen behind several teammates in the selection hierarchy, even though injuries to players like Xavier Willison appeared to offer him a better chance of first-grade action.