Latest news with #Mozer
Sydney Morning Herald
6 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
They've been hyped and publicly scathed. This is how the Broncos handle it
When a teenage Blake Mozer spoke of his adoration for Cameron Smith, little did he know it would trigger a ripple effect that would follow him throughout the fledgling stages of his NRL career. Overnight, the talented Broncos hooker was shackled with expectations to become the heir apparent to the Melbourne legend. When asked how he handled the burden of comparison with one of the code's finest, he delivered an insight. 'At first, I was a bit annoyed by it because he's such a great of the game and to get compared to him is a lot of pressure. It's been the same sort of stuff since I was 15, so I've just accepted it and gone with it,' Mozer tells this masthead. 'The comparisons are something that's outside noise, you don't listen to it too much. 'Everything in the building is everything we care about. 'But with expectation, it means my bad game becomes worse than most. I'd like to think my worst and best isn't a far difference, it's just a lot more critics when you fail.' After the Broncos' fall from grand finalists to 12th last year, the team was subject to extensive criticism. 'That's basically our team,' Mozer says, 'when we fail everyone seems to have a word to say and not much when we win.' The comparisons are something that's outside noise. But with expectation, it means my bad game becomes worse than most. Blake Mozer That intensified in 2025 as the Brisbane side have lost six of their past seven matches. They have been slammed for a perceived 'rock star' culture, with most eyes on fullback Reece Walsh, whose Instagram following exceeds 500,000. The spotlight will shine more intensely upon his comeback from a knee injury on Saturday against the Gold Coast Titans. 'I guess it's something you adapt to. I feel like I've probably had that my whole career,' Walsh says. 'I've got a good circle around me of friends, family and people at the club who keep me accountable, hold me to a high standard and want to see me do well. 'If I just keep ... working hard on myself, and at the end of the day just being a good person and dad, everything will be all right.' Loading Navigating attention has become a core focus for the Broncos' NRLW coach, Scott Prince, as women's rugby league grows. Broncos winger Julia Robinson has been targeted in the past with body-shaming on social media, while Queensland Maroons captain Ali Brigginshaw received death threats after the State of Origin series defeat. It is a reality facing emerging talents no matter the code, with 17-year-old Brisbane rookie Shalom Sauaso's exploits in rugby union for the Queensland Reds making her one of the nation's best multi-code prospects. 'If you put yourself in that realm, you have to deal with what comes with it,' Prince says. 'I try to change her focus, and not worry about the white noise. 'All that stuff will always be there, and it's growing fast. Give it two to five years, and that's when the real stuff begins and that's where pressure comes.' Prince regards pressure as a privilege, part and parcel for professional athletes. 'When they talk about the next player, they pump them up but turn around next week and talk about how poor they are. 'Whatever is written, that's their opinion, so it's reinforcing the fact you've got to focus on yourself.' About one in three elite athletes experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, while depression is expected to be the leading global health concern by 2030. It has prompted the Broncos to launch their mental health round, collaborating with Black Dog Institute on a black kit to be worn against the Titans, with jersey proceeds going towards their work. In learning to cope with external pressures, Mozer walks in the footsteps of another man who lived it: Karmichael Hunt. Hunt debuted for the Broncos at 17 before winning the 2006 premiership, and now coaches Souths Logan Magpies, where Mozer has spent the season as he plots his ascent to Brisbane's No.9 jumper. '[Hunt's] been a big part of my life and in senior footy, and he's gotten me to where I am today,' Mozer says. 'I've learnt enough and matured enough to know myself. Now I just need to prove that on the NRL stage, which will slowly but steadily happen. 'When I get there, I'm going to be ready for that week in week out, which I probably wasn't last year.
The Age
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
They've been hyped and publicly scathed. This is how the Broncos handle it
When a teenage Blake Mozer spoke of his adoration for Cameron Smith, little did he know it would trigger a ripple effect that would follow him throughout the fledgling stages of his NRL career. Overnight, the talented Broncos hooker was shackled with expectations to become the heir apparent to the Melbourne legend. When asked how he handled the burden of comparison with one of the code's finest, he delivered an insight. 'At first, I was a bit annoyed by it because he's such a great of the game and to get compared to him is a lot of pressure. It's been the same sort of stuff since I was 15, so I've just accepted it and gone with it,' Mozer tells this masthead. 'The comparisons are something that's outside noise, you don't listen to it too much. 'Everything in the building is everything we care about. 'But with expectation, it means my bad game becomes worse than most. I'd like to think my worst and best isn't a far difference, it's just a lot more critics when you fail.' After the Broncos' fall from grand finalists to 12th last year, the team was subject to extensive criticism. 'That's basically our team,' Mozer says, 'when we fail everyone seems to have a word to say and not much when we win.' The comparisons are something that's outside noise. But with expectation, it means my bad game becomes worse than most. Blake Mozer That intensified in 2025 as the Brisbane side have lost six of their past seven matches. They have been slammed for a perceived 'rock star' culture, with most eyes on fullback Reece Walsh, whose Instagram following exceeds 500,000. The spotlight will shine more intensely upon his comeback from a knee injury on Saturday against the Gold Coast Titans. 'I guess it's something you adapt to. I feel like I've probably had that my whole career,' Walsh says. 'I've got a good circle around me of friends, family and people at the club who keep me accountable, hold me to a high standard and want to see me do well. 'If I just keep ... working hard on myself, and at the end of the day just being a good person and dad, everything will be all right.' Loading Navigating attention has become a core focus for the Broncos' NRLW coach, Scott Prince, as women's rugby league grows. Broncos winger Julia Robinson has been targeted in the past with body-shaming on social media, while Queensland Maroons captain Ali Brigginshaw received death threats after the State of Origin series defeat. It is a reality facing emerging talents no matter the code, with 17-year-old Brisbane rookie Shalom Sauaso's exploits in rugby union for the Queensland Reds making her one of the nation's best multi-code prospects. 'If you put yourself in that realm, you have to deal with what comes with it,' Prince says. 'I try to change her focus, and not worry about the white noise. 'All that stuff will always be there, and it's growing fast. Give it two to five years, and that's when the real stuff begins and that's where pressure comes.' Prince regards pressure as a privilege, part and parcel for professional athletes. 'When they talk about the next player, they pump them up but turn around next week and talk about how poor they are. 'Whatever is written, that's their opinion, so it's reinforcing the fact you've got to focus on yourself.' About one in three elite athletes experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, while depression is expected to be the leading global health concern by 2030. It has prompted the Broncos to launch their mental health round, collaborating with Black Dog Institute on a black kit to be worn against the Titans, with jersey proceeds going towards their work. In learning to cope with external pressures, Mozer walks in the footsteps of another man who lived it: Karmichael Hunt. Hunt debuted for the Broncos at 17 before winning the 2006 premiership, and now coaches Souths Logan Magpies, where Mozer has spent the season as he plots his ascent to Brisbane's No.9 jumper. '[Hunt's] been a big part of my life and in senior footy, and he's gotten me to where I am today,' Mozer says. 'I've learnt enough and matured enough to know myself. Now I just need to prove that on the NRL stage, which will slowly but steadily happen. 'When I get there, I'm going to be ready for that week in week out, which I probably wasn't last year.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Broncos player admits to likely exit after teammate scores contract extension
Cory Paix admits his future could lie away from Brisbane, despite insisting he wants to stay at the Broncos long-term. Paix is the only Broncos hooker in the top-30 squad without an NRL deal for 2026, following news promising young rake Blake Mozer is set to sign a contract extension with the club until the end of the 2027 season. Fellow hooker Billy Walters is contracted until the end of next year and another one of Brisbane's rakes Tyson Smoothy will join English Super League side Wakefield Trinity next season. Injured veteran Ben Hunt - who is tipped to slot into the hooker role when he returns from a hamstring injury - is also on a deal with the Broncos that runs until the end of next season. Brisbane have yet to officially confirm Mozer's extension, but it's understood the 21-year-old's management met with Broncos officials over the last week and were told that the club plans on keeping him. No offer for Mozer has yet been tabled but his future at the Broncos seems all but assured, raising fresh questions around Paix. The 25-year-old is set to return to Brisbane's starting side for the first time in five matches, when the Broncos travel to play Manly on Saturday night. The move will see Walters revert back to his bench role. Paix began the year as coach Michael Maguire's first-choice hooker, starting in the opening six games of the season, of which the Broncos won four. But he's had to resort to a bench spot behind Walters for the previous five games, which has coincided with a massive dip in form for Brisbane. Paix will get another chance to press his claims for a permanent starting spot against the Sea Eagles on Saturday night, but admits that the contract situation could be out of his hands. "I would love to be a Bronco for life but sometimes in life you don't always get what you want," the 25-year-old said. "I need to go out and play some good footy first before I get a contract. That's at the forefront this weekend." RELATED: NRL fans lament Ray Warren detail after Origin commentary backlash Craig Bellamy's Origin move that could come back to haunt Storm coach Trainer at centre of Origin incident unmasked as NRL great's brother Paix was reportedly close to agreeing an extension at the club earlier this year and Maguire indicated that he wanted the hooker to stay. However, those negotiations appear to have been put on the backburners even though the 25-year-old Broncos junior has made it clear that he doesn't want to leave the club that "means the world" to him. "I came here straight out of school and even during school I was part of the junior academy," he said. "I have got my family close by and obviously the Broncos have spent a lot of time on me developing me into the person and player I am. Brissie is home to me." The Broncos have won four games when Paix has started this season and only one when he hasn't. And Brisbane will be hoping the return of the hooker to the starting side against Manly will help get their stuttering season back on track. "I spoke with Madge (coach Michael Maguire) and worked on a few things in key areas he thought I could get better at," Paix said. "I thought I went away and done that. Now it is time for me to step up. We haven't been getting the results lately. "If we can fix up little minor things that we have identified then I think we will give ourselves enough energy at the back end of games to really compete and go after it." Brisbane have lost five of their past six matches and second half collapses have let the team down badly. They've only won twice at Manly's home ground in the last 33 years, although the teams haven't played at Brookvale Oval since 2014 due to a financial agreement that saw the Sea Eagles play "home games" against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium. But Maguire's men will fancy their chances against an equally inconsistent Manly side that have lost three of their six home games already this season and will be without injured superstar Tom Trbojevic. with AAP
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Maguire makes call on Broncos player's future amid links to rival Queensland team
Broncos coach Michael Maguire has signalled his intention to keep young sensation Blake Mozer at the club as Deine Mariner offers a glimpse into his own selection battle. One of the biggest decisions Maguire was set to make at the Broncos was who would play the No.9 role with a number of stars fighting for the one spot. Last year, Billy Walters was the first choice dummy-half. However, Cory Paix has been the standout performer during the pre-season challenge and looks set to start against the Roosters next Thursday. Unfortunately, Mozer's pre-season was hampered after his troubled shoulder prompted him to take a step back. This has led to speculation about his future with the 20-year-old off contract next year. The talented star has also been linked to the Gold Coast Titans. Mozer won't be able to prove his form to start the season as he recovers from his shoulder injury that will sideline him indefinitely. But in a promising sign for the youngster, Maguire wants the Broncos to do everything they can to keep the young sensation to secure the future of the club. 'I'd love to keep him,' Maguire told . 'Blake is great to coach. 'He is diligent about wanting to learn the game, that's something there that your hookers have to have. They are the guys that are driving a lot of what goes on and they are the guys that everyone is running at." Last year, Mozer played eight games under former coach Kevin Walters as he settled into a second-string dummy-half role. While he will miss the start of the season while he works on his rehab, which will eventually see him undergo surgery, Maguire expects Mozer to feature for the Broncos in 2025. This would be a huge boost for the Broncos with Paix, Mozer and Walters all fighting it out for the one spot. Paix enjoyed two strong games for the Broncos in their pre-season challenge and his running game appears to have won over Maguire in 2025. While Mozer will miss the beginning of the 2025 season due to injury, Mariner is pushing to retain his starting role under new coach Maguire. Kotoni Staggs is set to miss four to six weeks after injuring his quad against the Bulldogs. This has opened the door for Mariner to start. The speedster was in a battle with Gehamat Shibasaki after Maguire opted to leave Mariner on the bench for the trial game against the Bulldogs. Selwyn Cobbo has moved to the wing, with Jesse Arthars locking down the other wing spot. And Staggs was guaranteed to be the other centre. This left one centre spot available for either Mariner and Shibasaki. However, Staggs' injury means Mariner should get first crack against the Roosters next week as he duels it out with Shibasaki going forward. And the flyer, who scored 17 tries in 21 games last year, admitted Maguire has spoken to him about his role and feels he needs to improve the mental side of his game. This comes after a gruelling pre-season up in Brisbane where no spot in the starting 13 is guaranteed. "You guys (in the media) have heard the stories about our pre-season and there has been a real focus Madge (Maguire) has put on me to get stronger mentally. That is what everyone wants … mentally tough players," Mariner said on Tuesday. "It comes with maturing. This is only my third pre-season and it has definitely been the hardest one. I am still young and still learning and he is really testing me and making sure he has brought the best out of me. Madge is still finalising the round-one team so all the boys are fighting for positions. It is a good opportunity for everyone to put their best foot forward for any position they could get named for." While Mariner featured on the wing on 11 occasions in 2024, the flyer feels centre is his best position. "I have played (centre) all my junior grades and I am comfortable there," Mariner said. "The biggest thing Madge has made us think about is that no spots are given. No-one can get complacent. It is real competitive at training and bringing out the best in us."
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Brisbane Broncos rocked as young gun injured and hooker signs with different club
The Brisbane Broncos' selection headache at hooker has seemingly become a little clearer, with Blake Mozer suffering a shoulder injury and Tyson Smoothy signing elsewhere. New Broncos coach Michael Maguire has some serious depth at No.9, with Mozer, Smoothy, Billy Walters and Tyson Smoothy all at his disposal. Ben Hunt will start the season at five-eighth, but is expected to switch to hooker when Ezra Mam returns from his suspension in Round 10. It means Maguire must fit four hookers into just two spots (one starting and one likely on the bench). Walters became the starting No.9 when father Kevin was coach, but Maguire has since taken over after Kevin departed. Smoothy got a lot of minutes off the bench under Walters, while Paix has been forced to bide his time in Queensland Cup. Maguire was thought to be leaning towards a hooker combo of Paix and Mozer to start the 2025 season, but news emerged on Wednesday night that Mozer has suffered a shoulder injury. The 20-year-old is highly rated and touted as a future State of Origin player, but is highly unlikely to be ready for the start of the season. Broncos head of performance Dave Ballard said Mozer suffered the injury last week. He trained on Monday at dummy-half, but a subsequent scan revealed the issue. "He'll begin a rehab program this week and will be involved in non-contact sessions for at least a month," Ballard said. "We don't expect him to be available for round one." The Broncos didn't go into detail about the extent of the injury, but the it might be more serious. Peter Badel wrote: "It's understood the 20-year-old could require surgery on his shoulder - which would potentially end his 2025 season - but the Broncos will attempt to rehab the injury to keep him on the park." Mozer is without a contract past 2025, and it's understood a number of rival clubs have expressed interest in prying him away from Brisbane. Maguire will be desperate to retain the 20-year-old given the huge raps on him. Meanwhile, Smoothy has reportedly signed a three-year deal with Wakefield in the English Super League, starting in 2026. The 25-year-old has played 31 games over the last two seasons, but has seemingly fallen down the pecking order under Maguire. Madge seems intent on bringing Paix back into the first-grade fold, and will likely start the season with Paix and Walters as his hookers. Smoothy was reportedly offered a lower-tier deal to remain at the Broncos, but has opted to secure his future in England. RELATED: Laurie Daley responds amid calls to strip Jake Trbojevic of captaincy Reece Walsh's potential team switch that would 'let down his family' Walters has been selected to play five-eighth in the Broncos' trial against the Titans this weekend, but it appears a move out of necessity more than anything. The Broncos are without Mam due to suspension, while captain Adam Reynolds is being kept on ice after undergoing neck surgery in the pre-season. Hunt is also being kept in cotton wool, meaning Maguire had to name a makeshift halves pairing of Walters and Jock Madden. Walters previously played in the halves at the Wests Tigers under Maguire, and might find himself there is the Broncos are decimated by injuries in 2025.
