Reece Walsh misses out on Broncos' top award as club farewells 12 players after premierships
The Brisbane Broncos have bid a fond farewell to 12 players from their premiership-winning NRL and NRLW squads at the club's presentation night on Thursday, with Payne Haas snaring the men's player of the year award over Reece Walsh. Many would have expected Walsh to be crowned the Broncos' player of the year after leading Brisbane to their first men's premiership in 19 years.However Haas undoubtedly had the better season overall, and was phenomenal for the entire year. Walsh finished the year with a staggering run of form over the last two-and-a-half months, including one of the greatest grand final performances we've ever seen.But he made a slow start to 2025 compared to Haas, who was immense right throughout the campaign. Haas is now the only player in Broncos' history to win the Paul Morgan Medal as men's player of the year six times.The front-rower also won the forward of the year and players' player awards, while Walsh and Kotoni Staggs were joint-winners of the back of the year gong. Ben Talty was crowned rookie of the year after a stunning display following his mid-year switch from the North Sydney Bears in NSW Cup. And Pat Carrigan was voted the club's most consistent.As for the NRLW squad, superstar fullback Tamika Upton almost completed a clean-sweep of the awards. Dally M medallist Upton won player of the year, back of the year and players' player, while Julia Robinson won most consistent.Broncos farewell players from NRL and NRLW sidesThursday night's presentation had a celebratory vibe after the Broncos won both the men's and women's premierships. But there was a sombre note when the club farewelled men's premiership heroes Kobe Hetherington and Tyson Smoothy, as well as Jock Madden, Selwyn Cobbo and Israel Leota.Hetherington is heading to Manly for 2026, following his girlfriend to Sydney after she landed a new job there. He played the grand final with two busted knees that require surgery, and set up Walsh's stunning solo try with a barnstorming run in the first half. His decision to leave the club has allowed the Broncos to re-sign Paix, Corey Jensen and Jack Gosiewski.Smoothy has signed with Wakefield Trinity in the UK Super League, which occurred before he became one of the unsung heroes of the Broncos' premiership run. Smoothy was an unlikely star in both the prelim and grand final, after starting the year as the club's fourth-string hooker. With Ben Hunt, Billy Walters and Cory Paix all returning in 2026, Smoothy became surplus to requirements.Madden played 15 games for the Broncos but didn't see any first-grade action under Michael Maguire this year. He's heading back to the Wests Tigers - where he debuted in 2021.RELATED:Panthers announce return of premiership hero who left the clubCraig Bellamy cops fresh blow at awards night after grand final lossCobbo will play for the Dolphins in 2026 after falling out of favour with Maguire this year. He started the year on the wing in first-grade, but was overtaken by the likes of Deine Mariner, Josiah Karapani and Jesse Arthars.Leota never played first-grade for the Broncos but was viewed as a talented prospect. The outside back has switched codes to rugby union and will play for Moana Pasifika in 2026.Broncos losing seven players from NRLW teamFor the NRLW side, Gayle Broughton, Mele Hufanga, Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala, Keilee Joseph, Montaya Hudson, Lavinia Gould and Shaylee Joseph are all departing. Hufanga was player of the match in the NRLW grand final against the Roosters, and will link up with the Warriors in 2026.“Each of these players have made a great contribution to the Broncos in their own way,” said Broncos general manager of football operations Troy Thomson. “We’re proud of the role they have played in our squad, particularly in the 2025 premiership winning season. On behalf of the Brisbane Broncos, I wish them all the best in their future endeavours, and we will continue to watch their journey from afar.”
Latest Articles
