How do the Broncos avoid a Premiership hangover?

NRL Premiership winner Chad Townsend has cautioned the Brisbane Broncos against resting on their laurels ahead of the 2026 season.

The Broncos stunned the competition in 2025 under the first year of coach Michael Maguire. After a pulsating finals campaign which featured three comeback wins, Brisbane held the Provan-Summons trophy for the first time since 2006.

Whilst Townsend hasn’t predicted a severe collapse from the Broncos this season, he believes the Broncos’ biggest threat is themselves.

“It’s tough to try and climb that mountain again,” Townsend said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“Everyone is obviously high on confidence, training is fun because you’ve tasted success and you’ve had a great off season celebrating.

“The challenge now for the Broncos is to not fall in love with themselves.

“Yes, you are the best team in the NRL right now. Michael Maguire deserved every bit of credit for what he was able to do last year.

“2026 is a new season and what they did last year isn’t going to help them this year.

“They are going to have to earn it all over again. We heard at the start of last season of how brutal Maguire’s pre-season was.

“If the Broncos want to go back-to-back, they are going to have to go through it again.

“That’s what it takes to win a Premiership.

“Are they willing to work as hard, if not harder? They aren’t hunting now. They are the hunted.

“They know that teams will be bringing their best in the 2026 season because they have to.

“All eyes are on them.”

The Broncos’ miracle Premiership run was in large part due to the scintillating late season form from Reece Walsh.

The 2025 Clive Churchill medallist will have a bigger target on his back in the upcoming season and Townsend has said it’s up to Walsh to work out ways to combat opposition strategies.

“When Adam Reynolds went down injured, Reece Walsh just went on that unbelievable run.

“The Broncos will want to gear their game and style of play to bring out the best of Reece Walsh.

“Give him the opportunities to thrive and really continue the form he showed which basically won them the Premiership.

“The involvement and touches that Walsh was doing and his kicking (increased).

“I saw a lot more responsibility take upon Reece Walsh when Reynolds missed some games.

“Moving into 2026, the Broncos must find ways to give Walsh the opportunities to thrive.

“What he did in that Grand Final was incredible. It’s one of the best performances we have ever seen in a Grand Final.

“Teams will have gameplans to try and effectively shut him down.”

The Broncos host the Penrith Panthers in a blockbuster Friday night match at Suncorp Stadium on March 6 to begin their Premiership defence.