- Broncos and Brisbane Lions training together
- Cross-code session used to diversify skills
The Brisbane Broncos‘ premiership defence is already in full swing, with members of Michael Maguire’s squad teaming up with 2025 AFL competition winners, the Brisbane Lions.
A group of young Broncos players who have returned to training met up with the Lions at their training base for a cross-code session.
The rising sports stars utilised a combination of AFL and NRL balls at the lavish facility in Springfield.
Players were spotted testing themselves under sky-high bombs and trying to sharpen their kicking accuracy.
Broncos youngsters Phillip Coates – brother of Melbourne Storm flyer Xavier – and Antonio Verhoeven were among the NRL side’s representatives.
Two-time Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft plus teammates Kai Lohmann and Jack Payne were in attendance for the Lions.
The Brisbane Broncos’ premiership defence is already in full swing, with members of Michael Maguire’s squad teaming up with 2025 AFL competition winners, the Brisbane Lions (pictured, young gun Phillip Coates with a Sherrin)
Two-time Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft showcased his skills with a Steeden (pictured)
The rising sports stars from both codes utilised a combination of AFL and NRL balls at a facility in Springfield this week (pictured)
The likes of Matt Ballin and Michael Maguire (pictured, in background) were impressed at the aerial ability of their emerging talent
Coates, 19, is on the Broncos development list for 2026, while schoolboy star Verhoeven also impressed with the quality of his leap.
The unprecedented session was an opportunity for Broncos players to develop their skills and mix with AFL’s current yardstick team in a new environment.
Another get-together is scheduled for the New Year, with there now being plans to build on the relationship between the two sporting powerhouses.
Broncos coach Maguire feels the momentum of the Lions’ AFL triumph over Geelong helped inspire the NRL side to their grand final triumph.
‘I can’t emphasise enough the influence you (Lions) had on us over the last 12 months,’ Maguire said.
‘It was a pretty enjoyable time, seeing you guys win and riding that wave into our game…it definitely influenced us as well.
‘So I just wanted to say a big thank you from us.’
It comes as Brisbane footy fans were spoilt when it came to success in 2025.
The Broncos won the NRL and NRLW titles, against the Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters respectively, while Queensland snared the Origin series.
The Brisbane Lions also won their second consecutive AFL title after beating the Cats at the MCG.
