Cory Paix remains hopeful of extending his stay with the Brisbane Broncos, despite entering a period of contract uncertainty as the only hooker in the club’s top-30 squad without a deal for 2026.
The 25-year-old has earned praise for his work ethic under new coach Michael Maguire, embodying the toughness and effort the veteran mentor demands. However, Paix’s place in the squad remains unconfirmed beyond this season, and he knows the pressure is on to prove himself on the field.
“I would love to be a Bronco for life,” Paix told AAP. “But sometimes in life, you don’t always get what you want.”
While his comments hint at some doubt, his loyalty to the club shines through. Having come through Brisbane’s junior academy and signed with the club straight out of school, Paix sees the Broncos as his home and credits the organisation with shaping his career.
“I’ve got my family close by, and the Broncos have invested a lot into developing me. Brissie is home to me,” he added.
Ahead of this weekend’s clash with the Manly Sea Eagles, Paix acknowledges that only strong performances will keep him in the club’s plans.
“I need to go out and play some good footy first before I get a contract. That’s at the forefront this weekend,” he said.
The Broncos have won four of the five games in which Paix has started at hooker, a stat that could strengthen his case for retention.
Still, if a deal isn’t offered soon, Paix may have to consider his options elsewhere. Several NRL clubs — including the North Queensland Cowboys, Newcastle Knights, Cronulla Sharks, and Manly Sea Eagles — could be seeking to add depth at hooker for 2026.
For now, Paix remains focused on playing his best footy and proving that he deserves to stay in Brisbane — not just for another season, but for the long haul.
