Brisbane claimed their first premiership since 2006 with a thrilling victory over Melbourne in the grand final.
The win in the decider concluded a remarkable run for the Broncos as they battled their way to a top-four finish before recording heart-stopping wins over Canberra and Penrith.
Michael Maguire was under the blowtorch for his hard-nosed approach in the pre-season as the wheels threatened to fall off midway through the year, but the coach was vindicated in the end as he delivered the holy grail to Red Hill.
The squad has been kept relatively intact, so it will be interesting to see where the powerhouse club goes from here as they become the hunted in the NRL.
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Brisbane Broncos predicted team list for Round 1
1. Reece Walsh
2. Josiah Karapani
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Deine Mariner
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Corey Jensen
9. Ben Hunt
10. Payne Haas
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Cory Paix
15. Xavier Willison
16. Ben Talty
17. Aublix Tawha
Broncos latest team news ahead of Round 1
Reece Walsh enjoyed a dream second half of the season as he helped guide the Broncos to the premiership, claimed the Clive Churchill Medal and starred for the Kangaroos in the Ashes.
The fullback will be part of a relatively settled backline that will consist of the re-signed Kotoni Staggs and last season's fairytale story, Gehamat Shibasaki.
Josiah Karapani and Deine Mariner are likely to get the first shots on the wing after the title success. However, the duo will face pressure from Jesse Arthars and new recruit Grant Anderson.
Selwyn Cobbo's time at the club has come to an end, for now, after he inked a one-year contract to join the Dolphins.
Ezra Mam missed the start of last season due to a lengthy suspension, but will be on deck from Round 1 in 2026. His inclusion will push Ben Hunt to hooker, as the five-eighth will partner with Adam Reynolds.
Tom Duffy has been brought down from North Queensland and will provide depth in the halves along with emerging talent Coby Black after Jock Madden returned to the Wests Tigers.
Meanwhile, Jonah Pezet will land at the club ahead of the 2027 season after agreeing to a deal with the Broncos that includes a pit stop at Parramatta.
Payne Haas will be joined up front by Corey Jensen, while support through the middle will be provided by Xavier Willison and Ben Talty.
Brendan Piakura and Jordan Riki will start on the edges, while Jaiyden Hunt will also be in the mix.
Patrick Carrigan is assured of the No.13 jersey after Michael Maguire abandonded the experiment of starting him at prop last season.
Cory Paix is set to serve as the utility option after being bumped to the bench by Hunt, while Tyson Smoothy has moved to the Super League. Blake Mozer will be pushing his case for a place in the 17.
Ben Te Kura endured an injury-plagued campaign last season, but he will be in the frame for a place on the bench after Kobe Hetherington left to join Manly.
However, stiff competition for a spot on the pine will come in the form of Aublix Tawha, who has been signed from the Dolphins.