Are the Broncos Charging Toward the Finals, or Set to Fall Short? A Look Ahead at Brisbane’s 2025 Run Home.
After a gutsy second-half comeback win over the Sharks in Round 16 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Broncos fans have reason to believe their team is still a legitimate contender this season. As the 2025 NRL season heads into its decisive final stretch, the Broncos find themselves teetering between securing a finals berth and missing out entirely — and the next month may be the ultimate decider.
Their comeback performance has reinvigorated the campaign, but the road ahead is anything but smooth. As the team climbs to fifth place on the NRL ladder — level on points with Cronulla — their path to September footy is paved with tough opposition, lingering injury concerns, and high expectations.
One major concern is the fitness of forward Payne Haas, a cornerstone of the team’s forward pack. Though the club may only be without Haas and fellow forward Patrick Carrigan for one more game due to State of Origin duties, Haas’s current health status looms large. During the Sharks game, Fox League sideline reporter Eloise Sohier revealed that Haas entered the match managing a groin strain and had his left leg heavily strapped. He spent time on the exercise bike and, although he did return to the field, his mobility appeared restricted during portions of the second half.
Injuries are an unfortunate part of rugby league, but given Haas’s importance to Brisbane’s success, his condition will be monitored closely in the weeks ahead. If his injury worsens or limits his playing time, it could be a significant setback.
Despite sitting fifth on the table, the Broncos’ position is precarious. The team began the season under significant scrutiny, especially amid criticism of head coach Michael Maguire’s demanding leadership style. The club’s inconsistent second-half performances became a central talking point among fans and analysts.
Back in May, Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater highlighted this flaw during an episode of his podcast. Slater pointed out that while Brisbane had been competitive in the first halves of their games, their second-half efforts often left much to be desired.
“Looking at form and results, the Broncos’ second halves have been the main issue,” Slater said. “It’s about how they come out of the sheds after halftime. That energy and execution haven’t matched their first-half standards.”
Sunday’s game against the Sharks may have quieted those doubts momentarily. Brisbane showed grit and resilience in turning around what could have been another disappointing outing. But questions remain — especially with a tough schedule on the horizon.
Over the next two rounds, the Broncos will face the Warriors and the Bulldogs — two of the current top-four teams on the ladder. Both clubs have been in excellent form this season, making them formidable opponents.
The road doesn’t ease up after that. Brisbane still has to play the Dolphins and face the Melbourne Storm twice before the season’s end. In total, five of their final ten games are against teams currently sitting in the top eight, setting up a critical and difficult final third of the regular season.
To keep their finals hopes alive, the Broncos likely need to split their remaining ten games evenly — winning at least five. That result could be enough to secure a spot in the top eight, but any fewer wins could see them slip out of contention and leave the club reflecting on another season of unfulfilled promise.
This pressure-filled finish is reflected in the betting markets as well. At the start of the season, Brisbane were listed as $8.50 favorites to win the premiership — placing them among the title contenders. Now, with questions still hanging over their consistency and injury concerns, their odds have ballooned out to $19.
The final stretch of the season will test not only Brisbane’s depth and durability but also their mental toughness. Can they shake off the inconsistency that’s dogged them in 2025? Can Haas stay healthy enough to lead the forward pack through a challenging run of games? And will Maguire’s intensity, once viewed as a possible liability, now fuel the fire that carries them through adversity?
There’s no denying the Broncos have the talent to reach the finals, and their latest win suggests they might finally be turning the corner. But in a season where every loss has major implications, Brisbane has no margin for error. Whether they rise to the occasion or fall short could define not only their 2025 campaign but also the future direction of the club under Maguire’s leadership.
As the clock ticks down on the regular season, the Broncos stand at a critical crossroads. Finals bound or finals bust — the
ir destiny lies in their hands.
