‘Why not?’: Bold Broncos declaration ahead of must-win Roosters showdown
Time is fast running out, but Brisbane Broncos hooker Cory Paix says his under-siege side isn’t shying away from the pressure heading into Friday night’s crucial clash with the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium.
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The defending NRL premiers find themselves in unfamiliar territory sitting 13th on the ladder with just five wins through 2026 — three clear wins outside the NRL Top 8.
But after a timely bye in Round 16 Paix insists the fight hasn’t left the team just yet.
“Absolutely, the heart’s still going, the legs still work, so why not?” Paix declared when asked whether a finals charge is still realistic.
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He’s not looking for excuses or pointing fingers elsewhere either.
“Ultimately it’s up to us, any time you pull on a Broncos jersey you’re expected to go out there and do a job — hopefully we can do that this Friday.”
‘It’s time to go, we need to start winning games’
The hooker acknowledged the inconsistency that has plagued Brisbane’s season, with disappointing home losses to the Dragons and Titans followed by a last-start thrashing at the hands of the Rabbitohs in Sydney.
“There’s obviously been lapses in games,” he admitted.
“Now it’s time to go, we need to start icing those moments and start winning games, putting performances together because we want to be there at the back end of the season, pushing towards final footy.”
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Despite their worrying form slump, Paix says the Broncos squad isn’t backing down from the challenge posed by the Roosters.
“Bring it on, I reckon. The boys are up for it, we’re fully task focused at getting the job done on Friday.”
Adding fuel to the fire is the news that veteran playmaker Ben Hunt has re-signed, locking in another season in maroon and gold through 2027.
“Yeah, it’s massive for the old bloke,” Paix laughed.
“He’s been great ever since he came back to the club, and for me personally as well.
“We’re excited to have him around, he brings so much in terms of leadership and he’s an ultimate professional, still the first one in and the last one to leave.”
The Broncos host the Roosters in Friday Night Footy at Suncorp Stadium. Kick off at 8 p.m.
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