TRIPLE CELEBRATION AT RED HILL: REYNOLDS HITS 350, BRONCOS LAND KARAPANI, AND WALTERS EXTENDS CONTRACT
The Brisbane Broncos have delivered a blockbuster week of announcements that has left fans beaming with pride and excitement. In a rare triple celebration, the club honored captain Adam Reynolds for reaching his 350th NRL game milestone, confirmed the signing of powerhouse forward Josiah Karapani from 2026, and revealed that head coach Michael Maguire has put pen to paper on a new contract
The events symbolize a period of strength and ambition for the Broncos as they push towards reclaiming their glory days and chasing their first premiership since 2006.
ADAM REYNOLDS: 350 GAMES OF CLASS AND LEADERSHIP
When Adam Reynolds ran onto the field this weekend in the maroon and gold jersey, history was written. The veteran halfback reached the staggering milestone of 350 career NRL games, an achievement reserved for only the most durable and elite players of the modern era.
Reynolds, now 34, began his career with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2012, where he famously guided the club to its drought-breaking 2014 premiership. After nearly a decade in the red and green, his move north to Brisbane in 2022 proved transformative. His arrival injected not only world-class kicking and playmaking but also the leadership qualities the Broncos sorely needed.
Club CEO Dave Donaghy paid tribute to Reynolds’ legacy:
“Adam is one of the greatest professionals in rugby league. To play 350 games in this sport is nothing short of remarkable. What he’s brought to the Broncos in terms of leadership, discipline, and game management cannot be overstated. He’s shaped the next generation of players.”
Fans turned out in large numbers at Suncorp Stadium for the milestone clash, with a guard of honor and special pre-game tribute video highlighting his career achievements. Teammates also presented Reynolds with a commemorative jersey embossed with the number “350.”
Reynolds himself was humble, stating:
“I’m grateful to still be doing what I love. To reach 350 games is special, but what matters most is the teammates beside me and the supporters who’ve been there through every step. Hopefully, I can help bring this great club another premiership before I hang up the boots.”
BRONCOS SIGN FORWARD JOSIAH KARAPANI FOR 2026
In a move that has generated plenty of buzz across the NRL, the Broncos announced the signing of Josiah Karapani, a young forward touted as one of the most promising talents in the competition. Karapani, currently impressing with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, has agreed to join Brisbane on a multi-year deal starting in the 2026 season.
At just 22 years old, Karapani has already showcased his potential with a combination of size, athleticism, and defensive grit. Known for his powerful runs and high work rate, he is seen as the type of forward who can form the backbone of Brisbane’s pack for years to come.
Kevin Walters praised the signing, stating:
“Josiah is a player with enormous upside. He’s tough, he’s hungry, and he has the attitude we want in our squad. By the time he arrives in 2026, he’ll be entering the prime of his career, and we believe he’ll be a key figure in our forward rotation.”
The Broncos’ recruitment staff were strategic in securing Karapani, fending off rival offers from Sydney clubs. For Brisbane, the signing signals their long-term commitment to blending seasoned stars with future talent.
Karapani himself expressed excitement about the move:
“The Broncos are a massive club with an incredible history. When the opportunity came up, I knew it was the right step for me. I can’t wait to be part of the culture up there and learn from players like Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan.”
KEVIN WALTERS EXTENDS CONTRACT
Rounding off the celebratory week, the Broncos confirmed that head coach Kevin Walters has signed a new contract extension, securing his role as the club’s leader for the next three seasons. Walters, a club legend as a player, first took charge as coach in 2021 during a turbulent period for the Broncos.
Since then, he has overseen a remarkable turnaround. Under his guidance, the Broncos returned to finals football, re-established themselves as a powerhouse, and built a strong core of representative players. His contract extension ensures stability and continuity as the club continues its upward trajectory.
Club Chairman Karl Morris said:
“Kevin is more than a coach—he’s a Bronco through and through. His passion for the club and his ability to inspire players is unmatched. Extending his contract was an easy decision, and we’re confident he’s the right man to lead us into the future.”
Walters, clearly emotional at the press conference, expressed gratitude for the faith shown in him:
“This club means everything to me. I wore this jersey with pride as a player, and to coach it is the honor of a lifetime. We’re building something special here, and I’m determined to see it through with this group of players.”
A CLUB UNITED
The combination of Reynolds’ milestone, Karapani’s signing, and Walters’ extension paints a picture of a club not only celebrating its past but also investing heavily in its future
- For the players, Reynolds’ milestone is a reminder of what professionalism and longevity look like.
- For the fans, Karapani’s signing is a promise of sustained competitiveness in the years ahead.
- For the organization, Walters’ extension is about cementing leadership stability and a shared vision.
The Broncos, who have endured turbulent years since their 2020 wooden spoon finish, now look more united and ambitious than ever.
Former club great Darren Lockyer summed it up best:
“This is what the Broncos are about—celebrating legends, backing our leaders, and investing in the future. The club feels like it’s heading back to where it belongs: at the top of the NRL.”
LOOKING AHEAD
With the 2025 season already underway, the Broncos are well-positioned to make another finals push. Adam Reynolds’ leadership will continue to be central on the field, while the news of Karapani’s arrival boosts excitement for the years to come. Meanwhile, Walters’ presence ensures the cultural and tactical direction of the club remains steady.
For Broncos fans, the message is clear: the future is bright, and the journey back to premiership glory is very much alive.
Conclusion
The Broncos’ week of announcements has delivered a rare trifecta: honoring a champion in Adam Reynolds, securing a future star in Josiah Karapani, and locking in a club legend in Kevin Walters as head coach. Together, these moments highlight the club’s resilience, ambition, and commitment to its players and supporters.
As the echoes of applause fade from Reynolds’ 350th game and the ink dries on Walters’ contract extension, one thing is certain: the Brisbane Broncos are a club on the rise, and their faithful fanbase has every reason to believe that another golden era is just around the corner.
