The Brisbane Broncos have bolstered their halves depth for next season, announcing the signing of young playmaker Tom Duffy on a one-year deal for the 2026 NRL season.
Duffy, 21, has been turning heads in the QRL and lower grades with his composed game management, sharp kicking game, and developing playmaking instincts. His signing comes amid increased focus on emerging talent across the league as clubs seek value in a market dominated by multi-million dollar megadeals.
While financial terms were not officially disclosed, sources suggest Duffy’s deal is structured as a base-level development contract, estimated to be in the range of $120,000–$150,000, in line with typical rookie salaries.
The signing provides the Broncos with flexibility and potential upside at a fraction of the cost of some of the league’s top-tier talent. For comparison:
Dylan Brown recently signed the richest deal in NRL history – an eight-year contract worth over $13 million with the Newcastle Knights.
Kalyn Ponga remains the league’s highest-paid player annually, on a deal worth around $1.4 million per season.
Broncos GM of Football, Ben Ikin, said the club sees Duffy as a player of the future.
> “Tom has shown a great attitude, maturity beyond his years, and the ability to manage games under pressure. He’ll be working closely with our senior playmakers and will have every chance to push for first-grade selection.”
Duffy is expected to compete for a backup or bench utility role, with the potential to cover both halfback and five-eighth.
For the Broncos, it’s a low-risk, high-reward move—securing promising talent on a modest salary while other clubs are tied to expensive long-term contracts.
