12 Brendan Piakura

Brendan Piakura began his rugby league journey with the Helensvale Hornets on the Gold Coast, where his natural talent was obvious from an early age.

He quickly rose through the ranks, representing Queensland at Under 16 and Under 18 level, as well as earning selection in the Australian Schoolboys side.

A standout product of the Broncos Academy, Piakura earned his NRL debut against the Sharks in 2021 and established himself as a first-grader by 2023.

During the Broncos’ premiership-winning 2025 season, Piakura produced one of the most consistent years of his young career — making more than 380 tackles at 90 per cent efficiency, scoring two tries and four line breaks.

At the conclusion of the season, he represented the Cook Islands with pride, playing a key role in securing the final qualification spot for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

His current contract will see him remain a Bronco at least through to the end of the 2027 season.