The journeyman forward has opened up on a difficult two years both on and off the field.
NRL fans and commentators are sending their support to Jack Gosiewski after the Brisbane Broncos player was rocked by the recent death of his father amid a difficult time. Speaking on Tuesday, the Broncos forward revealed he’s now lost both of his parents during his short stint at the club, which began last season.
The journeyman player has been named on the bench for the Broncos’ clash with the Bulldogs on Friday night, after a recent 10-week layoff due to a broken wrist. It was during his stint on the sidelines that his father passed away, just 12 months after he also lost his mum.
When asked about his long lay-off and whether it was difficult not playing, he said it was nothing compared to losing his parents. “I had some stuff happen away from football in that period of time, so the injury was the least of my worries,” he admitted.
“I lost my father in that period so that was a tough time. The injury was the least of my worries. I missed not playing football but I had other things going on in life that were extremely tough. The injury was nothing to me.”
He said about his parents: “They are a big part of my life and I think about them going into every game,. The only reason I am saying it now is because I am proud of the way I have held myself and still been able to play football.”
Gosiewski was a surprise selection in Michael Maguire’s starting team at the beginning of the 2025 season, which came as a reward for the hard work he put in during pre-season. The 31-year-old’s private pain has not impacted his performance, which was only de-railed by a second broken arm in two years.
“Since I have been at the club I have also lost my mother,” he said. “I lost her last year. I have had two broken arms, lost both parents and opened a business, so it has been chaotic.”
Broncos teammates and fans rally around Jack Gosiewski
Gosiewski recently opened a Chargrill Charlie’s restaurant with his partner – the first of its kind in Queensland. Broncos players and officials showed their support for their beloved teammate when they all rocked up the store’s recent opening.
The 31-year-old is only contracted for the remainder of this season, but a strong performance against Canterbury on Friday night will go a long way towards earning him an extension. “I’m off contract but the plan is to stay here,” he said. “We put that on hold while I was injured but I am back playing football now. I am sure those conversations (with the club) will start to come now.
“It is good to be back. I broke my wrist in round six and we were on a good run prior to that. I have come back and we are winning again which is good. I can’t say it is (due to) anything I have done but it is good to be involved in the right moments and I am just enjoying my football and doing my role the best I can.”
Gosiewski’s teammates have wrapped their arms around him during the difficult time, while fans and commentators sent messages of support on social media on Tuesday. Commentator Zane Bojack wrote: “This is sad but inspiring at the same time. Thinking of you Jack.”