Every NRL club's Predicted Round 1 Team For 2027: Brisbane Broncos

The Brisbane Broncos will look very different heading into the 2027 NRL season, with several key departures forcing Michael Maguire to reshape his side.

Adam Reynolds' retirement and Payne Haas' move to South Sydney leave major holes in the halves and forward pack, while Brisbane have recruited Mitch Barnett, Shawn Blore, Dane Gagai and Jonah Pezet.

The Broncos have also added young outside backs Wilson De Courcey and Richard Penisini to their 2027 squad as they look to build depth across the roster.

Here's how I predict Brisbane's Round 1 team will line up in 2027.

Mitch Barnett (New Zealand Warriors)

Shawn Blore (Melbourne Storm)

Dane Gagai (Newcastle Knights)

Jonah Pezet (Parramatta Eels)

Wilson De Courcey (Newcastle Knights)

Richard Penisini (Parramatta Eels: development contract)

Payne Haas (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Adam Reynolds (Retirement)

Corey Jensen (Retirement)

Grant Anderson (New Zealand Warriors)

Jesse Arthars (Catalans Dragons)

Gehamat Shibasaki (Perth Bears)

Jaiyden Hunt (Canberra Raiders)

Joshua Coric (Hull FC)

These movements leave Brisbane needing to replace experience in the middle forwards while also finding a long-term solution at halfback following Reynolds' retirement.

Xavier Willison's longer-term future is also worth watching. Reports indicate he wants to remain in Brisbane, with negotiations around a possible new deal attracting attention.

This lineup is of course subject to change if new contracts are signed, or if they sign or sell a player, but based on the facts right now, here is my predicted Brisbane Broncos Round 1 team for 2027:

Pezet arrives with a major opportunity to establish himself as Brisbane's first-choice halfback. He will need to take control of the attack and develop a strong combination with Ezra Mam if the Broncos are to remain dangerous in 2027. He has big shoes to fill and will be under pressure after an underwhelming 2026.

Barnett brings experience and aggression to the middle, but replacing Haas' workload and impact will be one of Brisbane's biggest challenges. Xavier Willison will also be expected to take another step forward. Both are top players, but Haas will undoubtably be a huge loss going forward.

Gagai returns to Brisbane with a wealth of NRL and representative experience. His arrival provides an experienced option alongside Kotoni Staggs and gives the Broncos more depth in the outside backs.

The biggest selection call is the forward pack and bench balance. Shawn Blore provides a strong interchange option, while Tom Duffy offers cover in the halves. Young players will also be pushing for opportunities during the pre-season. If Pezet fails to perform early in the season, the likes of Duffy could become a regular.

The Broncos have enough talent to remain competitive, but losing Reynolds and Haas will make 2027 a major test. Pezet's development, Willison's progress and Barnett's impact in the middle could determine how successful Brisbane's new-look side becomes.

Based on last seasons efforts and the loss of those key players, it could be another tough year despite being champions in 2025. Given these factors I think the Broncos won't make the top 8, but could be in the arm wrestle to re-enter finals footy.

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