Brisbane Broncos recruit Aublix Tawha is on the verge of securing a starting position for the upcoming World Club Challenge. Recruited from the Dolphins after a brief stint in first-grade matches, Tawha has made a significant impact during pre-season training, emerging as a leading candidate to fill the void left by the injured Brendan Piakura against Super League champions, Hull KR.
Known for his toughness and willingness to confront any challenge, Tawha’s formidable presence was highlighted last year in a melee with Spencer Leniu. His potential breakout season in Broncos colors has caught the attention of many, including coach Michael Maguire.
“Obs (Tawha) is a massive candidate to come with us and has definitely put himself in the picture to be able to be on the plane,” coach Michael Maguire told AAP. “I have been super-impressed and it is not just myself. It is everyone, just with the way he gone about his professionalism.”
Competition for the Back Row Spot
While Tawha is a strong contender, he faces competition from Jack Gosiewski and Jaiyden Hunt, who are also under consideration to start in the back row alongside Jordan Riki. The Broncos are eager to clinch their third World Club Challenge title, and the team will fly to London on February 9, with the match against Hull KR scheduled for February 20 (AEDT).
The team will stay at The Lensbury resort, a venue with a rich history of hosting elite sports teams, including the Australian Kangaroos and New Zealand All Blacks. Additionally, the Broncos will engage in a training session against the London Broncos, coached by Jason Demetriou and featuring several former NRL players.
Three-Way Race for England Coaching Role
In other rugby league news, the search for England’s new head coach for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) has narrowed down to three candidates: Brad Arthur, Brian McDermott, and Willie Peters. This follows the departure of Shaun Wane after the 2025 Ashes Series.
Brad Arthur, formerly of the Parramatta Eels, expressed his interest in the role, stating, “I’ve got some interest in it but my priority and main job and main focus is right here right now with this team.”
Willie Peters, a former halfback for the Rabbitohs and Dragons and a Kangaroos assistant, also confirmed his interest. “I’d be interested in having a conversation and seeing where it goes from there,” Peters said.
Knights Expand Junior Pathways
The Newcastle Knights have significantly expanded their junior development reach by forming a three-year partnership with the Mid-North Coast. This agreement aims to create stronger pathways for both male and female players in the region and enhance the development of coaches.
The partnership will align the Knights with the NSWRL regional competition’s North Coast Bulldogs, providing access to over 15,000 rugby league players. Notable players from these regions include Dylan Edwards, Latrell Mitchell, and Mitch Barnett.
“This isn’t about branding or symbolic gestures, it’s about having a genuine presence in the community and investing in the people who make rugby league strong at the grassroots level,” Knights Director of Football Chris James said.
As the Broncos prepare for their international challenge and the Knights bolster their grassroots connections, the rugby league landscape continues to evolve with promising developments both on and off the field.
