Brisbane's board has backed coach Michael Maguire despite a disastrous 2026 campaign, but forward Jordan Riki's future has become another concern.
Riki, a New Zealand international and one of the Broncos' most experienced forwards, is contracted until the end of 2027.
He can negotiate with rival clubs from November 1, and is reportedly preparing to explore opportunities away from Red Hill.
"I think it's done. I got told the Jordan Riki and coaching relationship is like oil and water. It doesn't mix," Journalist Ben Dobbin said on Triple M's Sunday Sin Bin.
"They're resigned to the fact that he will be moving on. They are pretty confident that he will go somewhere else."
The Broncos reportedly want to retain Riki, although a long-term deal increasingly appears unlikely. Whether the dispute could prompt an early release remains uncertain.
Brisbane fell from premiers to the bottom four in 2026, struggled for consistency and faced criticism over selections, training methods and Adam Reynolds' failed farewell.
Riki is expected to remain on the edge next season alongside Shawn Blore, while Brendan Piakura manages repeated concussions.
Melbourne Storm and the New Zealand Warriors have been suggested as destinations. Melbourne has denied interest, while the Warriors may need a replacement for retiring forward Kurt Capewell.
"All the mail I got was the Melbourne Storm, but that has been absolutely categorically denied by people at Melbourne and by the Broncos," Dobbin said.