LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In typical Rugby League fashion, the Brisbane Broncos are facing a tough salary cap situation, with Cory Paix showing no signs of leaving the club despite a lack of NRL offers.
Paix, who is off-contract at the end of 2025, is reportedly earning $325,000 per season but didn't get any game time in first grade last year.
The young hooker has fallen behind Tyson Smoothy for a spot on the bench, and it seems he is also behind Blake Mozer in the pecking order.
Mozer, a talented up-and-comer, is expected to make his mark in first-grade soon, adding pressure on Paix to perform if he hopes to stay at Red Hill beyond 2025.
With Paix now one of the highest-paid reserve grade players in the league, the Broncos are facing a major headache.
Despite the club's willingness to let him go, Paix's determination to stay and rejection of other offers have left them in a bind.
As a former junior Queensland representative with experience in various positions, Paix's loyalty and refusal to move on have put the Broncos in a difficult position.
It remains to be seen how this will play out in the coming months, but one thing is for sure - the club is facing a tough decision in the current sporting climate.