SHOCKING SIGNING: BRISBANE BRONCOS SECURE BRODIE JONES DESPITE KNIGHTS’ WOODEN SPOON SEASON
In a move being hailed as one of the most unexpected in Brisbane Broncos signing history, the club has seized a golden opportunity to secure Newcastle Knights forward Brodie Jones, who will join the Broncos ahead of the 2027 NRL season. The local junior will depart the Knights at the end of the 2026 campaign, bringing his experience and versatility to Red Hill just 11 months after re-committing to Newcastle.
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the league, particularly given Jones only extended his contract with the Knights until the end of 2026 in a deal announced on 18 February last year. The decision to leave comes after a challenging 2025 NRL season for Newcastle, where Jones played 16 games as the club finished last on the table and claimed the Wooden Spoon – a stark contrast to their recent finals appearances.
Jones’s journey with the Knights began as a product of the club’s junior pathways, and he quickly emerged as a promising talent after being named the 2021 Rookie of the Year. Over the following seasons, he established himself as a versatile and reliable forward, capable of filling multiple roles in the pack and earning a reputation for his strong work ethic. His contributions were instrumental in Newcastle’s finals runs in 2023 and 2024, performances that led to multiple contract extensions and solidified his status as a valued clubman and fan favourite.
Despite the team’s difficult 2025 campaign, Jones remained one of Newcastle’s most consistent performers, leading by example on and off the field as the club navigated a season of rebuilding. Broncos head coach Kevin Walters highlighted these qualities as key reasons for pursuing the forward. “Brodie has shown he can perform at the highest level and lead through adversity,” Walters said. “His versatility, commitment and experience will be invaluable as we continue to build our squad for long-term success, and we’re excited to welcome him to the Broncos family.”
The news of Jones’s impending departure has been met with mixed reactions in Newcastle, where supporters have expressed disappointment at losing a local product but understand his desire for a fresh start. Knights CEO Philip Gardner acknowledged the move in a statement: “Brodie has been a dedicated representative of our club, and while we had hoped he would see out his career here, we respect his decision to take this opportunity with the Broncos. We thank him for his service and wish him all the best for the future.”
As Jones prepares to play out his final season with Newcastle, he has stated his focus remains on helping the team bounce back from their 2025 struggles before beginning his new chapter with the Brisbane Broncos, in what stands as one of the most surprising roster moves of the off-season.
