Brisbane Broncos hooker Tyson Smoothy is reportedly on the verge of signing a two-year deal worth $600,000 with the North Queensland Cowboys, as the club looks to bolster its depth at dummy-half.
The 24-year-old has played a key support role at the Broncos over the past two seasons but has found himself squeezed by salary cap constraints and increased competition for minutes. With the Cowboys looking for a reliable back-up or rotation option alongside Reece Robson, Smoothy has emerged as a top target.
According to league insiders, the deal is all but confirmed and could be announced officially in the coming days.
Deal Snapshot:
Club: North Queensland Cowboys
Duration: 2 years (2026–2027)
Total Value: $600,000
Annual Salary: $300,000
Why the Move Makes Sense
The Cowboys have been quietly searching for an experienced hooker to share the load with Robson, particularly with an eye toward squad rotation and depth for Origin and injury periods. Smoothy fits the bill with NRL experience and a solid defensive game.
For the Broncos, it’s a loss — but a calculated one. With the emergence of young talent and cap pressure from bigger contracts elsewhere in the squad, letting Smoothy walk was always a possibility.
Club Reactions
While the Cowboys have not officially confirmed the deal, sources suggest head coach Todd Payten sees Smoothy as a strong culture fit and someone who can step in without disrupting the spine.
> “He’s a reliable player who brings control and effort,” one Cowboys staffer said. “We think he’ll thrive here.”
