Broncos close in on key deal as gun set to re-sign

Brisbane Broncos are currently suffering a major injury crisis, but out of adversity comes opportunity with the door opening for several fringe players at Suncorp.

Blake Mozer, Josh Rogers and Jesse Arthars have all returned to the Broncos starting side in recent weeks, but it was the performance of a debutant halfback who stole the show on Friday night.

Tom Duffy signed for Brisbane from the Cowboys for 2026 in a move that came as a shock to many, with Duffy falling down the pecking order in Townsville after six first-grade games.

Arriving at the Premiers on a one-year deal, many questioned Duffy’s decision to move across Queensland with Broncos captain Adam Reynolds locked in at no.7 for his final year.

But as is the nature of the game, Reynolds’ recent injury gave Duffy his chance in the spotlight in an ironic reunion with his former club last Friday.

Tom Duffy shines on Broncos debut

Knowing he’s likely to have limited opportunities this season, all eyes were on Duffy as an injury-hit Brisbane side took on North Queensland in front of a bumper Suncorp crowd.

Given all the above, plus facing the side who deemed him not good enough for first-grade, you would have forgiven Duffy for showing some nerves.

There was absolutely none of it though, with the 22-year-old showing his class throughout in a performance that included a try assist for Kotoni Staggs early in the game.

Duffy was also perfect with the boot, converting all five conversion attempts as well as a field goal to put the Broncos 31-30 ahead going into the final moments.

But for a late Cowboys comeback to steal the win, it would have been the perfect debut from Brisbane’s new no.7 who certainly impressed the fans at Suncorp.

Duffy ‘in discussions’ over new Broncos deal

Such was the standard of his performance on debut, Duffy’s agent Sam Ayoub told Code Sports that talks have already started about extending his stay in Brisbane.

“We are in discussions now about an upgraded and extended contract for him,” he said. “Tom deserves it. We’re working through it.”

It’s an interesting conundrum for the Broncos, with Jonah Pezet expected to replace the retiring Reynolds and take the no.7 jersey at Red Hill from 2027.

But now that doesn’t seem quite so straightforward, with Duffy clearly having the quality to be a regular first-grade NRL halfback in the future.

At just 22, Brisbane will see Duffy as a great pickup and valuable asset if they can agree new terms, but salary cap pressure may be a stumbling block.

Despite retiring Reynolds and Souths-bound Payne Haas to be off the books next season, the likes of Jesse Arthars, Billy Walters and Ben Hunt are yet to be re-signed to a star-studded roster.

This leaves question marks still around Duffy’s future, though it does seem a stay in Brisbane is more likely than not after Friday night’s heroics.