Brisbane Broncos NRLW coach Scott Prince addresses the media before the team play the West Tigers in Round 1 of the 2025 NRLW season on Saturday afternoon. .
The Brisbane Broncos NRLW side will kick off their 2025 campaign this Saturday afternoon with a much-anticipated Round 1 clash against the Wests Tigers, and head coach Scott Prince says his squad is fired up and ready to go after a gruelling pre-season.
Speaking to media on Wednesday, Prince exuded confidence and enthusiasm, emphasizing the strong culture within the group and the hunger among players to re-establish the Broncos as a powerhouse in the NRLW.
“We’re really excited to get back into it,” Prince said. “The girls have trained exceptionally hard over the off-season. There’s been a real edge to everything we’ve done, and I think that hunger’s come from where we finished last year. We want to be better, and that starts Saturday.”
The Broncos endured a mixed campaign in 2024, missing the finals for a second consecutive year—a stark contrast to their dominant early years in the competition. But with a refreshed squad and several key signings, including experienced playmaker Zahara Temara and powerhouse forward Shannon Mato returning from injury, expectations are once again high.
“We’ve added some quality players this year who bring a mix of experience and flair,” Prince said. “Zahara’s leadership and control in the halves has already made a massive difference at training. Shannon Mato’s back and firing—she’s a big presence, both on and off the field. And we’ve got some exciting young talent coming through as well.”
The Tigers, who made the finals for the first time in 2024, will pose a tough opening challenge. Prince praised their development under coach Brett Kimmorley and said the Broncos were preparing for a high-intensity battle.
“They’re a side that’s grown a lot in a short time,” Prince said. “They’ve got speed, they play with plenty of energy, and they’ll be confident after their season last year. But for us, it’s about executing our game plan and playing with the sort of effort that defines who we are as a club.”
Asked about the mood in the camp, Prince highlighted the tight bond among players and a strong sense of purpose heading into the new season.
“There’s a real belief among the group,” he said. “Everyone’s pushing each other. There’s competition for spots, which is what you want as a coach. But more than that, there’s genuine care and trust among the players. That’s what builds successful teams.”
The Broncos will look to captain Ali Brigginshaw to steer the ship once again in 2025, with the veteran halfback set to begin her seventh NRLW season. Prince said Brigginshaw’s leadership had been “instrumental” during the off-season.
“She’s been phenomenal,” he said. “Ali leads by example. She’s still got that competitive fire in her, and the younger players look up to her. She sets the tone in everything we do, from training to preparation to how we carry ourselves on game day.”
When asked about his goals for the season, Prince kept things simple: consistency and competitiveness.
“We want to be consistent. That’s the big one,” he said. “In this comp, every week is a battle. You can’t afford to switch off, not even for a minute. If we can be consistent with our effort and execution, the results will come.”
As for Round 1, Prince said the focus was on starting strong and setting the tone early.
“You only get one chance to start the season right,” he said. “We’ve worked too hard not to give it everything we’ve got on Saturday. We’re at home, in front of our fans, and we’re proud to represent Brisbane. We want to put on a performance that reflects that.”
The Broncos and Tigers will face off at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with kick-off scheduled for 3:05pm AEST. It’s a blockbuster opening fixture to a season that promises fierce competition, rising stars, and plenty of storylines.
For Prince and the Broncos, it’s all about one thing: getting back to their best.
“We’re ready,” Prince said with a smile. “Now it’s time to show it.”