Brendan Piakura is about to get the opportunity every rising forward dreams of — a chance to stake his claim as a permanent starter in Brisbane’s second row. And if you ask Broncos coach Michael Maguire, the door isn't just open — it's swinging wide.

With Jordan Riki serving a two-match suspension, the 22-year-old Piakura will make his first start of the 2025 NRL season this Saturday against the Wests Tigers at Suncorp Stadium. It’s more than a one-off opportunity — it’s a moment that could define the next stage of his career and possibly propel him into the State of Origin frame.

“Brendan has been great,” Maguire said this week. “Unfortunately I have a few guys I have to select from and the way Brendy has gone through his pre-season he has grown a lot and I'm looking forward to seeing that displayed on the park."

This is Piakura’s moment to "bash down the door" — as Maguire put it — and prove he’s more than just an impact option off the bench.

Next Origin Contender?

The timing of Piakura’s elevation could not be better. Queensland legend Cooper Cronk recently named him as one of the "next cabs off the rank" for the Maroons. Speaking on Fox League's Matty and Cronk, Cronk said Piakura was among those poised to break through into the Origin arena.

It’s not the first time the Maroons have had their eyes on him. Piakura was part of Queensland’s extended squad during the 2024 Origin series, gaining valuable exposure in camp. That experience, paired with consistent NRL performances, could make him a serious contender in 2025.

And with North Queensland's Heilum Luki ruled out for the season due to a devastating ACL injury, a spot has opened up. Luki, like Piakura, had also spent time in Maroons camp. But now that spot could be up for grabs — and Piakura is looming large.

Adding to the opportunity is the patchy form of Cowboys forward Jeremiah Nanai. A key figure for the Maroons last year, Nanai was dropped earlier this season due to underperformance, further clearing a path for a new face in the back row.

Maguire Sees the Growth

Maguire’s decision to start the year with journeyman Jack Gosiewski over Piakura may have surprised some, especially given Piakura’s explosive end to the 2023 season. He was a key figure in Brisbane’s charge to the grand final, showcasing line-breaking ability and strong defensive reads.

Still, Maguire opted to ease Piakura into the year as a bench weapon — perhaps to manage his minutes and maintain pressure on the youngster to keep developing.

“It gives me great headaches,” Maguire admitted when discussing his selection dilemmas. “I have a good depth of player but Brendan is a very good player and looking forward to jumping in with his mates.”

There’s no questioning Piakura’s talent. In 37 NRL appearances to date, he’s flashed elite-level traits — speed, agility, and tenacity. But consistency and endurance across a full season remain the final pieces to cement his standing as a long-term starter.

Veteran Influence and Future Potential

Maguire believes Piakura’s development is accelerating, thanks to the influence of some of Brisbane’s biggest names.

“I think he is learning the game at a different level with the players around him,” Maguire said. “I have enjoyed watching Brendy. He is pretty diligent on working on his game. If you apply that, those (Origin selection) sorts of things tend to sort themselves out when you have rep teams in front of you.”

Indeed, playing alongside and learning from players such as Adam Reynolds, Ben Hunt, Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas has been an invaluable resource for the young back-rower. If Piakura continues on this trajectory, Maguire believes it’s only a matter of time before selectors come calling.

“But we have to get the job done here so people do look at him,” he added.

Tigers Clash Could Define His Season

The immediate challenge for Piakura will be to perform against the Tigers in what promises to be a crucial game for the Broncos. This match isn’t just about winning — it’s about proving he can handle the demands of 80 minutes in the back row and still deliver the same impact he’s shown in shorter stints.

Also named on the bench is Jaiyden Hunt, the hard-running former Dragons forward who brings depth and reliability. Maguire has praised Hunt’s ethic and believes he’ll be valuable as rotation support.

“[Hunt] is a good worker and a hard trainer. Those sorts of things really count when you're building a squad,” Maguire said.

Letting Go of the Past

For Maguire, this match against the Tigers comes with some personal history. He coached the joint venture for three and a half seasons, finishing ninth, 11th, and 13th in the completed campaigns. His tenure was one of high expectations but low results — and he was eventually let go in a move that stunned some, though it felt inevitable to others.

But Maguire, now leading one of the NRL’s most promising rosters, says he’s focused only on the present.

“I very much live in the now,” he said. “I am really enjoying coaching these boys and what they are doing at training. I'm not looking back.”

That present moment includes a golden opportunity for one of his brightest young players. If Piakura delivers on Saturday, he could become a mainstay for the Broncos — and perhaps even pull on a Maroons jersey by midyear.

The stakes are high, the timing is perfect, and the door is open. Now it’s on Piakura to walk through it — or, as Maguire wants, smash it off its hinges.