Brisbane’s promising young playmaker, Coby Black, will leave the Broncos to join the Canberra Raiders in 2027. The club confirmed Black’s decision on Tuesday, revealing that he will transition to the Raiders at the conclusion of the next NRL season. This move shifts the landscape for the Broncos, who had hoped Black would develop into a long-term halfback.
The announcement came from the Broncos’ recruitment boss, Simon Scanlan, who acknowledged Black’s journey through the club’s academy program, starting from the age of 14. “Coby has worked really hard to progress through to our NRL top squad. While we’re sad to see him leave, we thank him for his dedication and commitment and sincerely wish him every success as he takes the next step in his career,” Scanlan stated.
Black’s aspirations to replace veteran halfback Adam Reynolds were impacted by the Broncos’ recent signing of Jonah Pezet, a former Melbourne playmaker who will begin with the club in 2027. Pezet is set to play the upcoming season with Parramatta, further complicating Black’s path to a starting position.
The 19-year-old was initially signed with the Broncos until the end of 2026, but he became a free agent on November 1, 2024. In addition to Pezet, Brisbane has also secured former North Queensland playmaker Tom Duffy for the same season, creating a competitive environment for the playmaking positions.
With established talent such as premiership-winning halves Ezra Mam and captain Reynolds, along with versatile veteran Ben Hunt, Black’s opportunities for game time in 2026 appear limited unless injuries affect the squad. This reality has shifted expectations regarding his future at the club, which had once pinpointed him as a key player in their future plans.
As Black prepares to join the Raiders, he will be under the guidance of coach Ricky Stuart, a celebrated figure in the game and known for his expertise in nurturing talent. This next chapter for Black represents not just a career move but also a significant opportunity to develop further within a different team environment.
The Broncos’ management will now look to solidify their strategy for the upcoming seasons, focusing on how best to integrate new signings while ensuring their existing talent can thrive in a competitive league landscape.
