The Brisbane Broncos are making headlines as they prepare to secure the future of rising star Tom Duffy.
Recently awarded the five-eighth jersey for this weekend's match against the Gold Coast Titans, Duffy appears set to sign a new deal with the Broncos.
Initially due to be out of contract at the end of this year, Duffy took a gamble by departing from the North Queensland Cowboys to join Brisbane at the start of the season.
He has made a strong impression during his time with the team, including stepping in at halfback when Adam Reynolds was unavailable and coming off the bench in two additional matches.
The Townsville native, who was once viewed as a key prospect for the Cowboys before Tom Dearden took the spotlight, now finds himself in a competitive battle for the starting halfback position against newcomer Jonah Pezet, currently sidelined with an injury at the Parramatta Eels, and veteran Ben Hunt, who has expressed a desire to continue playing.
According to News Corp, Duffy is poised to finalize a new agreement, which is anticipated to keep him with the club until at least the end of 2028.
As discussions are reportedly in advanced stages, questions arise regarding the Broncos' spine structure in the future.
The club faces challenges with their salary cap, as high earners like fullback Reece Walsh, centre Kotoni Staggs, forward Patrick Carrigan, and the recently benched Ezra Mam command significant salaries.
While Mam's long-term contract limits his availability for future changes, coach Maguire sent a clear message to the team after recent losses, further complicating the situation.
This leaves Pezet, who is set to join from Parramatta in 2027 and was once seen as a future star of the Melbourne Storm, in a competitive landscape against Hunt and Duffy.