After only weeks ago celebrating their first premiership in 19 years, the Brisbane Broncos have moved fast to ensure they can compete again in 2026, snatching the signature of one of the Dolphins’ most promising up and coming forwards.
The Broncos have confirmed the signing of Aublix Tawha on a two-year contract starting in 2026, with Broncos GM of Recruitment and Pathways Simon Scanlan speaking glowingly of his rise.
“Aublix had a breakout season and established himself as a regular first-grader. His rise is a testament to his hunger and competitiveness,” Scanlan said.
Tawha debuted for the Dolphins in Round 16 and played in all but one of the remaining matches of the season, cementing his place in the Dolphins’ forward rotation.
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Often listed as a centre, where he has occasionally filled in, the bulk of his rugby league has been played as a front-row or second-row forward — and that’s where coach Michael Maguire will be hoping he can add some much-needed punch to the Broncos pack.
With the departures of forwards such as Kobe Hetherington and other depth options, the reigning premiers will be hoping Tawha continues to develop into a quality first-grader.
Tawha himself has already displayed remarkable work ethic and resilience, rising from scaffolding jobs in New Zealand to playing NRL within just a few years.
He moved to Australia in 2023 and played in the Canberra region competition for Yass, where he began to make a name for himself and was spotted by then-Dolphins Hostplus Cup assistant coach Ben Te’o.
The rest is history, as Te’o moved quickly to get Tawha to the Dolphins, and within half a season he had broken into the first-grade side off the back of blistering performances.
One of the catalysts for his NRL debut came in a Hostplus Cup performance in June, when the tearaway scored two tries, made two line breaks, and ran for nearly 200 metres in a 56-minute stint in the middle of the park.
The Hamilton, New Zealand-born 26-year-old is now suddenly bidding for a place in the defending premiers’ best 17 for Round 1 of next season.
Based on his incredible rise and determination, it would be a brave call to bet against him.