Thursday night’s presentation had a celebratory vibe after the Broncos won both the men’s and women’s premierships. But there was a sombre note when the club farewelled men’s premiership heroes Kobe Hetherington and Tyson Smoothy, as well as Jock Madden, Selwyn Cobbo and Israel Leota.
Hetherington is heading to Manly for 2026, following his girlfriend to Sydney after she landed a new job there. He played the grand final with two busted knees that require surgery, and set up Walsh’s stunning solo try with a barnstorming run in the first half. His decision to leave the club has allowed the Broncos to re-sign Paix, Corey Jensen and Jack Gosiewski.
Smoothy has signed with Wakefield Trinity in the UK Super League, which occurred before he became one of the unsung heroes of the Broncos’ premiership run. Smoothy was an unlikely star in both the prelim and grand final, after starting the year as the club’s fourth-string hooker. With Ben Hunt, Billy Walters and Cory Paix all returning in 2026, Smoothy became surplus to requirements.
Madden played 15 games for the Broncos but didn’t see any first-grade action under Michael Maguire this year. He’s heading back to the Wests Tigers – where he debuted in 2021.
Cobbo will play for the Dolphins in 2026 after falling out of favour with Maguire this year. He started the year on the wing in first-grade, but was overtaken by the likes of Deine Mariner, Josiah Karapani and Jesse Arthars.
Leota never played first-grade for the Broncos but was viewed as a talented prospect. The outside back has switched codes to rugby union and will play for Moana Pasifika in 2026.
For the NRLW side, Gayle Broughton, Mele Hufanga, Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala, Keilee Joseph, Montaya Hudson, Lavinia Gould and Shaylee Joseph are all departing. Hufanga was player of the match in the NRLW grand final against the Roosters, and will link up with the Warriors in 2026.
