sport
Grassroots Story Behind the Community Sport Movement
Brisbane's professional clubs draw on local foundations as the Broncos and Lions prepare for their 2026 campaigns.
How we reported this
The Brisbane Broncos, 2025 NRL premiers, face a near-impossible task to reach the 2026 finals, requiring an improbable eight wins from their remaining nine matches as of July 2026.
Team Foundations in Brisbane
The Brisbane Lions are the reigning back-to-back AFL premiers after winning the 2025 grand final and finished third in the 2025 regular season. These results sit alongside the Broncos' 2025 title and show how established clubs operate within Brisbane's broader sport environment.
Roster Changes and Season Start
Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire and captain Adam Reynolds oversee key 2026 roster gains including Grant Anderson, Tom Duffy, and Aublix Tawha. The 2026 NRL season for the Broncos began on March 6 at Suncorp Stadium against the Penrith Panthers, with Magic Round scheduled against the Warriors. The Brisbane Lions added key forward Oscar Allen, former West Coast captain, and ruck Sam Draper from Essendon in an aggressive off-season, while premiership medallions Brandon Starcevich and Callum Ah-Chee departed.
Current Standing and Outlook
The eight wins from nine requirement for the Broncos as of July 2026 provides a clear measure of the challenge ahead. Both clubs continue their seasons with the listed personnel and fixture details already set in place.
Supporters can follow updates through official club channels and venue schedules at Suncorp Stadium for remaining matches.