MICHAEL MAGUIRE RESPONDS AMID CLAIM MELBOURNE STORM COULD POUNCE AND SIGN BRONCOS PLAYER..

MICHAEL MAGUIRE RESPONDS AMID CLAIM MELBOURNE STORM COULD POUNCE AND SIGN BRONCOS PLAYER..

 

Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire has poured cold water on suggestions that young playmaker Coby Black could be tempted away by Melbourne Storm, reaffirming the club’s commitment to nurturing the talented halfback as a central figure in Brisbane’s long-term plans.

The rumours surfaced earlier this week following confirmation that Jonah Pezet, the former Storm half and Queensland under-19 representative, had signed a one-year deal with Parramatta Eels for 2026 before linking up with the Broncos on a three-year contract from 2027. The multi-stage deal immediately sparked speculation about the future of Black, Brisbane’s emerging young half who has long been earmarked as the natural successor to Adam Reynolds.

Reports out of Melbourne suggested that the Storm — who were blindsided by Pezet’s departure — could shift their attention toward Black, hoping to lure him south with the promise of more immediate NRL game time and the opportunity to develop under Craig Bellamy’s system.

However, Maguire moved quickly to put those rumours to rest, stressing that Black remains a key part of the Broncos’ plans and has already been identified as a cornerstone for the club’s next generation.

> “Coby is a Bronco through and through,” Maguire said on Wednesday. “He’s been in our system for years, he understands our culture, and he’s one of the most exciting young halves in the game. We’ve got a clear pathway for him, and that doesn’t change regardless of who joins the club.”

 

Balancing the Future and the Present

The Pezet signing, which caused ripples across the NRL landscape, has been described as a strategic move by Brisbane — ensuring stability in the halves for the post-Reynolds era. The veteran halfback, now 35, is expected to play through 2026, leaving the door open for Pezet and Black to battle for the No. 7 jersey in the seasons that follow.

For Maguire, the move is about depth, competition, and the ability to sustain success rather than replacing anyone prematurely.

> “If you want to be a consistent contender in the NRL, you’ve got to plan two or three years ahead,” Maguire explained. “Jonah’s signing doesn’t mean someone’s on the outer. It means we’re building a system where young players push each other to be better.”

 

Coby Black, 19, was one of the breakout stars of the Broncos’ 2025 pre-season trials and has been steadily developing through the club’s feeder system. His maturity, sharp kicking game, and calmness under pressure have earned high praise internally, with many comparing his early style to that of a young Daly Cherry-Evans.

Storm Circle as Broncos Lock In Future

For Melbourne Storm, Pezet’s departure left a noticeable gap. The 22-year-old was considered one of the club’s brightest prospects — a natural understudy to Jahrome Hughes — and his decision to leave came as a shock to many within the organisation.

With Bellamy entering what could be his final seasons at the helm, Storm have been aggressively looking to secure the next generation of playmakers. It’s understood that Black’s name was mentioned in internal discussions, but Maguire’s firm stance and the Broncos’ track record of retaining homegrown stars make a potential poaching highly unlikely.

> “We know how the recruitment game works,” Maguire said with a smile. “Clubs will always look around, especially when good players are coming through. But our job is to make sure Coby knows he’s valued here — and he does.”

 

Insiders suggest that Brisbane have already begun informal talks with Black’s management about extending his deal beyond 2027, potentially locking him in as the long-term halfback partner for Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam.

Reynolds’ Influence and Transition Plan

A major part of Black’s development has been the mentorship of Adam Reynolds, whose professionalism and leadership have transformed Brisbane’s spine since arriving from South Sydney in 2022.

Reynolds has reportedly taken the teenager under his wing, working closely with him on game management and tactical kicking during training sessions. That mentorship has been crucial, with Maguire noting that it’s part of the club’s broader vision for continuity.

> “Reyno’s been massive for us — not just in what he brings on the field but in how he prepares the next generation,” Maguire said. “He’s had a huge influence on Coby and Ezra, and that’s what strong clubs are built on — leadership and legacy.”

 

While Reynolds has yet to make a call on his future beyond 2026, he has publicly expressed a desire to see the Broncos’ young halves thrive, regardless of when he eventually hangs up the boots.

Pezet’s Arrival and the Bigger Picture

As for Jonah Pezet, his upcoming arrival in 2027 is being viewed as both a coup and a challenge for Brisbane’s halves rotation. The 22-year-old’s signing followed a dramatic exit from Melbourne, reportedly triggered by Hughes’ decision to backflip on his own exit plans and re-sign with the Storm through 2028.

That unexpected turn left Pezet looking for an opportunity to step out of the shadow of established stars — and Brisbane, with its exciting young core and attacking style, was the perfect fit.

> “Jonah’s a talented footballer,” Maguire added. “He’s shown what he can do in limited opportunities. He’ll bring a great energy to the squad, and he’ll push the other halves to raise their standards. That’s what we want.”

 

Pezet’s signing also reflects the Broncos’ growing pull as one of the league’s most attractive destinations. After years of rebuilding, Brisbane have re-established themselves as a powerhouse club capable of attracting elite talent while still nurturing homegrown stars.

The Message to Fans and Rivals

In typical Maguire fashion, his response carried a message of reassurance to Broncos fans and a quiet warning to rival clubs: Brisbane’s system is built to retain its future.

> “Our focus is on keeping our young talent together,” Maguire said. “We’ve got a strong culture, great support staff, and players who believe in where this club is heading. When you have that, it’s very hard for anyone to take your players.”

 

For Coby Black, the message from his coach was clear — patience and persistence will pay off. With Reynolds still steering the ship and Pezet joining the fold in two years, the young playmaker’s time will come.

As Maguire summed it up:

> “Coby’s future is right here at the Broncos. We’re building something special, and he’s a massive part of that.”

 

While Melbourne may continue to cast glances north, it appears Brisbane’s next-generation halfback is going nowhere.

In the eyes of Michael Maguire, the message is simple — the Broncos’ future belongs to those already wearing the maroon and gold.