Brisbane's training base emerged unscathed from Cyclone Alfred as players returned to training on Monday after minor inconveniences from the natural disaster.

Brisbane sent shockwaves through the NRL with their ruthless 50-14 drubbing of glamour club the Roosters in their 2025 premiership opener on Thursday night. But are they the real deal this season? Chief league writer PETER BADEL analyses the key changes that will make the Broncos a legitimate title contender under new coach Michael Maguire.

Payne Haas is among a host of Broncos stars to play a pivotal role in the 50-14 hammering dished out to the Roosters, as the Michael Maguire era begins on a winning note.

The Broncos have arrived home in Brisbane on a charter flight, leaving Sydney straight after steamrolling the Roosters in their NRL round-one clash.

Reece Walsh has described the Brisbane Broncos' pre-season as the hardest he's ever experienced, summing up the change Michael Maguire needed to make after the sacking of Kevin Walters. The Broncos made an explosive start to Maguire's reign on Thursday night, demolishing the Roosters 50-14.

The Brisbane Broncos can confirm our NRL squad has arrived back safely into Queensland overnight on a charter flight.

The Broncos produced one of the most emphatic 80-minute performances you’ll ever see in round one to trounce the Roosters, with Michael Maguire’s side then forced to head across Sydney to begin a hectic return trip home to be with their loved ones before Tropical Cyclone Alfred makes landfall.

The Roosters own No. 7, Chad Townsend, was only ever bought to the club as a backup playmaker, but will need to quickly click with five-eighth Sandon Smith, who scored a try, but was caught out defensively on more than one occasion.

With Brisbane airport temporarily closed because of the cyclone, Broncos hierarchy booked a private charter flight that saw them touch down inland at Toowoomba. Reynolds and his men then took a two-hour bus trip back to the Queensland capital,

Three gambles proved right, two leading big men were emphatic and a returning favourite son was brilliant. Have the Broncos found their missing tonic?

The Broncos produced one of the most emphatic 80-minute performances you’ll ever see in round one to trounce the Roosters, with Michael Maguire’s side then forced to head across Sydney to begin a hectic return trip home to be with their loved ones before Tropical Cyclone Alfred makes landfall.

The Sydney Roosters take on the Brisbane Broncos at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night. Join The Roar for live scores from 8pm (AEDT). Game information Venue: Allianz StadiumKick-off: Thursday, 8pm (AEDT)TV: Fox League,