Cronk’s Stark Warning: Broncos’ Premiership Hopes Dashed by Haas’ Departure
NRL legend Cooper Cronk has delivered a blunt assessment of the Brisbane Broncos’ chances of securing another premiership in 2026, asserting that the departure of star forward Payne Haas will cast a significant shadow over the team’s aspirations. The Broncos are already facing scrutiny ahead of the upcoming NRL season, having suffered a loss in the World Club Challenge against Hull KR.
Haas is set to link up with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2027. Despite his impending move, he has pledged to give his absolute best in his final season with the Broncos. However, Cronk believes that Haas’ decision to leave has already effectively derailed Brisbane’s hopes of achieving back-to-back premierships.
“I believe the Broncos will finish in the top four, but I don’t see them going back-to-back,” Cronk stated recently. “The entire narrative surrounding Wayne (Bennett) orchestrating this covert operation to lure Haas away from the Broncos is, frankly, captivating.
“But what does it say when arguably your most crucial player, having just won a premiership, signals his intention to depart just a year later? What message does that send to the rest of the playing group?”
Cronk elaborated on his concerns, referencing the current Broncos squad’s “history of not applying the necessary level of effort,” a subtle nod to their failure to make the finals under Kevin Walters in 2024. While Michael Maguire’s arrival in 2025 was expected to instill a tougher mentality, significant doubts remain about his ability to motivate the players for another gruelling campaign under his demanding coaching style.
“If any sense of complacency creeps in, or if they believe they’ve reached the pinnacle, they will invariably fall short by a small margin, and every other team will be eager to exploit that weakness,” Cronk explained. “Their inherent talent suggests they possess the capability to succeed, but a major question mark hangs over whether their key players possess the renewed drive to consistently perform those crucial one-percent efforts – because, let’s be frank, it’s incredibly demanding.”
Walsh’s Counterpoint: Broncos Keen to Avoid Complacency
Conversely, star fullback Reece Walsh maintains that the team’s hunger and determination remain undimmed, even after ending a 19-year premiership drought last season. It’s worth noting that the Broncos only managed to field their preferred spine – comprising Walsh, Ezra Mam, Adam Reynolds, and Ben Hunt – for a mere four games last year.
“To be completely honest, I don’t think we’ve even begun to explore the full extent of what we’re capable of as a spine,” Walsh shared with AAP. “If we can all continue to develop, strive to gel effectively, and get on the same page, it’s an incredibly exciting prospect for us as a team, without a doubt.”
For the Broncos’ highly anticipated clash against the Panthers on Friday night, coach Michael Maguire has initially named Cory Paix at hooker, with Ben Hunt designated for the interchange bench. However, many are anticipating a late team change that could see Hunt elevated to the starting lineup.
The Broncos’ journey in 2026 is shaping up to be a complex narrative, with internal dynamics and external pressures poised to play a significant role in their pursuit of sustained success. The departure of a player of Haas’ calibre, coupled with the high expectations following a premiership win, presents a unique challenge for the club. Whether they can overcome these hurdles and defy Cronk’s pessimistic outlook remains to be seen. The team’s ability to foster a relentless work ethic and maintain the mental fortitude required for another championship run will be paramount. The influence of coach Maguire in driving this culture will be closely watched, as will the leadership displayed by senior players like Walsh and Mam in galvanising the squad. The NRL landscape is notoriously competitive, and the Broncos will need to prove their mettle against a field of hungry contenders eager to dethrone them.
