Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Brisbane Broncos recruitment has come under scrutiny after the club agreed to bring veteran centre Dane Gagai back for the 2027 National Rugby League season.
Gagai, who debuted for the Brisbane Broncos in 2011 and played six games for the club, is set to return on a cut-price deal. The move has sparked debate because Brisbane are also preparing to lose key players including Payne Haas, Adam Reynolds, Jesse Arthars and Gehamat Shibasaki.
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Broncos Pathways Under The Spotlight
The main question is not whether Gagai can still play. It is why a club with Brisbane’s junior base and development spending has turned to another player in his mid-30s.
“How are they here? How are they here where the world’s best front rower walks out on the club and they’re losing other players,” David Riccio said on NRL360.
“Grant Anderson, Gehamat Shibasaki, Jesse Arthars, Payne Haas leaving, Adam Reynolds leaving. OK, they aren’t world beaters but it’s the core of your roster.
“I want to say this about the greatest respect to Dane Gagai as he’s having an incredible season.
“He’s a champion but the Broncos do not need to sign 36-year-olds. The Brisbane Broncos should never have to sign 36-year-olds.
“They should never have to. They spend close to $1.2-$1.5 million in pathways and development. Double that of rival clubs … What is going on?”
Leadership Argument Behind Gagai Move
Paul Crawley pointed to the Penrith Panthers as the model Brisbane should be chasing, with their system continuing to produce first-grade players.
“Look at their process for recruitment and retention as opposed to the Panthers and how that system just continues to regenerate player after player,” Crawley said.
Still, Brisbane’s decision has a clear leadership angle. Ben Hunt has also signed a one-year extension, and the club will need senior voices once Haas and Reynolds depart.
“They’re lacking leadership. They’re lacking that senior figure with Reynolds and Haas leaving,” Crawley said.
Gagai’s return may not silence concerns about Brisbane’s roster planning, but it does show the club values experience during a period of major change.