Broncos Crisis: Haas, Te’o Departures & Calls for Langer Return | NRL News
Trouble Brewing in Brisbane: Broncos Face Internal Turmoil Amidst Haas Departure
The Brisbane Broncos are grappling with a growing sense of unease as a series of unsettling events unfold, raising serious questions about the club’s internal stability. Just weeks after star forward Payne Haas’s unexpected move to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, the Broncos are now dealing with the abrupt departure of assistant coach Ben Te’o, a situation compounded by a perceived lack of transparency in both instances.
The Haas saga, initially presented as a swift decision by the player, is now under renewed scrutiny. According to reports, the Broncos were caught off guard by Haas’s intention to join the Rabbitohs, claiming they were “blindside[d] by the decision.” This has led to criticism of the club’s management of the situation, particularly given Haas’s status as one of the NRL’s premier front-rowers. The situation is further complicated by the simultaneous announcement of Adam Reynolds’ retirement at the end of 2026.
The handling of Ben Te’o’s exit has only intensified the concerns. The news of Te’o’s departure was reportedly leaked to the media, with players only learning of it through social media – a revelation that shocked club legend Gorden Tallis. “What’s going on at the Broncos?” asked Code Sports reporter David Riccio, echoing the sentiment felt throughout the league. The lack of internal communication regarding Te’o’s exit has been particularly damaging, highlighting a potential breakdown in trust between the coaching staff and the playing group.
Te’o’s role within the Broncos was considered crucial, acting as a vital link between head coach Michael Maguire and the players. He was credited with helping to turn the team’s fortunes around in 2025, fostering a positive environment and facilitating open communication. As Paul Crawley of Fox League noted, Te’o was instrumental in allowing the players to reset during a difficult mid-season slump, ultimately contributing to their Grand Final victory. His ability to “read the room” and connect with the players was seen as a key asset.
The loss of Te’o is particularly significant given his defensive expertise and his role as a “cushion” between Maguire’s intensity and the players. Riccio emphasized that Te’o provided a crucial buffer, allowing players to confide in him and navigate the demands of a high-pressure environment. Without this intermediary, questions are being raised about how the Broncos will maintain team cohesion and manage player morale.
The current turmoil has prompted calls for a significant shake-up within the club. Gorden Tallis has publicly advocated for the return of Allan Langer, believing his presence could help unify the playing group and coaching staff. Tallis highlighted Langer’s historical ability to bring teams together, referencing his previous role as a “blue shirt” trainer – a position Te’o too held – and suggesting he is the ideal figure to steady the ship during this period of uncertainty.
The Broncos are now scrambling to fill the void left by Te’o’s departure, searching for a novel assistant coach, defensive coach and on-field trainer. The timing of these events, coupled with the Haas situation, has created a sense of crisis at Red Hill. The club is attempting damage control, but the underlying issues of communication and internal alignment remain unresolved.
As the Broncos prepare for their upcoming match against the Dolphins on , the focus will inevitably be on the team’s ability to overcome these challenges. Payne Haas’s availability for the game is also in question, with reports suggesting he is nursing an AC joint injury and trained with the rehab squad on . While the club has downplayed the severity of the injury, citing “load management,” some reports indicate the issue may be more serious than publicly acknowledged.
The return of captain Adam Reynolds from a rib injury is a positive development, but it may not be enough to offset the disruption caused by the recent events. The Broncos face a critical period, and their ability to navigate these internal challenges will be crucial to their success in the remainder of the 2026 season and beyond. The questions surrounding the club’s leadership and internal communication will continue to linger until a clear path forward is established.
The Broncos’ next match is against the Dolphins on at Suncorp Stadium. The club will be hoping to put the recent off-field drama behind them and focus on securing a victory in the highly anticipated “Battle of Brisbane.”