The Broncos are one of the major storylines heading into this season after finishing a disappointing 12th in 2024 following a grand final appearance in 2023. Maguire replaced Kevin Walters as coach and has instilled a defensive attitude that was on show in the pre-season challenge, won by the Broncos. Watch your team in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership. Stream every round LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. New recruit Ben Hunt is expected to take the No. 6 jersey and Adam Reynolds will play at halfback, at least until Ezra Mam returns from suspension in round 10. There is expected to be some shuffling of positions throughout the season, with Hunt also able to play hooker. Corey Paix was picked in the No. 9 jersey ahead of Billy Walters during the pre-season challenge. “Just looking at their trials, the experienced halves of Hunt and Reynolds combined really well,” premiership winner Michael Ennis told news.com.au. “He’s an elite half, isn’t he,” Ennis said of Hunt. “Having such a seasoned campaigner, an organiser and genuine No. 7 in Adam Reynolds inside calling the shots — it’ll really free up Ben’s running game, which is his great strength. “Seeing him (Hunt) talk about how invested and excited he is to play with Reece Walsh, should give Broncos fans plenty of optimism. “If they can get off to a great start, that becomes a nice headache for Michael Maguire, knowing Ezra Mam will be back mid-season. “In all likelihood, Reynolds and Hunt probably aren’t going to play every game this year. It’s a long season, to have someone of Ezra Mam’s quality to come in will be an enormous energy shift for Brisbane.” Fox League’s Andrew Voss told news.com.au: “I think Ben Hunt’s a great signing for them because it was always going to be the place where he’s the happiest. “He’s still a player who’s in the Australian squad. It’s lot like he’s in massive decline. Ben Hunt still has a lot to offer, be it in the halves or at hooker. “They have to keep Adam Reynolds fit, the body’s failed him a couple of times the last few seasons.” Andrew Johns believes the Broncos could start the season so well they should be on top of the ladder by the time State of Origin rolls around. “I think without doubt, by Origin time they’ll be leading the comp,” Johns said on Channel 9’s season preview on Sunday. “Their bench looks really strong. That’s a big indicator when you look at a team, you look at their bench. They’re going to be so hard to beat.” Hunt, Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan are expected to be picked to play State of Origin, leaving a hole in Brisbane’s squad for a handful of matches in the middle of the season. Cameron Smith said Maguire will be hoping to get victories on the board early before his star players are dragged away from clubland for Origin duties. “When you look at that line-up, it’s as good as any team in the comp. “Knowing Madge, his mindset will be, ‘Let’s bank wins early. Let’s not build into this season’. “He’s aware of the Origin period where they’re going to have several players out of their squad. “It’ll be about winning those early matches, particularly when you’re playing against some teams they should be beating.” In the first two months of the season, the Broncos play the Roosters twice, Canberra, the Cowboys, the Dolphins, the Wests Tigers, New Zealand Warriors and the Bulldogs. Ennis said the balance between age and experience, and defence and athleticism should make the Broncos a tough proposition. “Reece Walsh looks like he’s had a terrific summer,” Ennis said. “They’ve jut got great balance in their roster of speed and athleticism and then experience in key positions. “Having Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan in the front now, they’re the cornerstone of how Madge wants to drive the side forward. “They look powerful, they’ll be hard to handle. Deservedly so, there’s a high expectation that Brisbane not only play finals but should be going deep into the finals series with the roster they’ve got.”