A seemingly never-ending nightmare unfolded at Red Hill in 2024 as Brisbane went from grand finalists the previous year to being also-rans.
The Broncos dire form ultimately saw Kevin Walters dismissed from his post with former New South Wales mentor Michael Maguire taking the reins.
But will the premiership-winning coach be able to return the Broncos to their former glory, or will it all end in tears?
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Brisbane Broncos 2025 season preview
Walters will point to the fact that he never really managed to get a full-strength side out onto the park as a reason for his failures in 2024.
Reece Walsh made just 14 appearances and Adam Reynolds 13 to highlight why their attack malfunctioned at various stages.
Meanwhile, Payne Haas was limited to 14 matches and Ezra Mam failed to see out the season due to injury.
Maguire will be hoping these key pieces of the puzzle all remain fit during his maiden campaign in charge because if they do so, the Broncos have the roster to challenge without too many changes needing to be made.
Brisbane predicted team list for Round 1
1. Reece Walsh
2. Jesse Arthars
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Selwyn Cobbo
5. Deine Mariner
6. Jock Madden
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Corey Jensen
9. Blake Mozer
10. Payne Haas
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Billy Walters
15. Xavier Willison
16. Fletcher Baker
17. Ben Te Kura
Broncos latest team news ahead of Round 1
Reece Walsh missed the last weeks of the season with a hand injury to compound his injury-plagued season. The fullback will be fit and ready to go in the opening round.
Speculation continues to rumble on about where Selwyn Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs could end up as they become able to negotiate with rivals for their next contracts.
The duo will both be at the club for at least one more season though and will likely start in the centres in an otherwise settled backline.
Corey Oates announced his retirement from the game at the end of the 2024 season, while Tristan Sailor has headed off to the Super League.
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Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds were set to reunite in the halves after injury split them up during Walters' last year in charge. However, Mam is facing a period on the sidelines after a serious off-field incident.
Jock Madden is likely to start in the halves if Mam is suspended, while Staggs has also been touted as a possible option.
Blake Mozer may be able to poke his nose in front of Billy Walters for the starting dummy-half spot, while the rest of the Broncos pack should be unchanged.
Payne Haas was booked in for foot surgery towards the end of the 2024 season which caused him to miss the Pacific Championships but will be fine for the opening round.
Xavier Willison will earn a spot on the pine, while Fletcher Baker could also press his claims for a spot along with Ben Te Kura after enduring an injury-plagued 2024.
