Brisbane Broncos have confirmed five players will move on at the end of the 2025 NRL season, but one name absent from that list has sparked intrigue about a possible stay.
Kobe Hetherington was the latest to join the group of confirmed departures, alongside Tyson Smoothy, Selwyn Cobbo, Jock Madden and Israel Leota.
However, the omission of forward Fletcher Baker, once thought certain to leave Red Hill, has left the door ajar for the former Roosters prop to remain with the reigning premiers beyond his current deal.
Uncertain futures for off-contract trio
Baker, Jack Gosiewski and Delouise Hoeter are all off-contract at the end of 2025, yet none were listed among the outgoing players at Brisbane’s end-of-season awards night. While Baker had reportedly been eyeing a move after struggling for consistent first-grade minutes, Gosiewski is said to be in discussions over an extension, and Hoeter’s situation remains unclear.
“Each of these players have made a great contribution to the Broncos in their own way,” Broncos general manager of football Troy Thompson said. “We’re proud of the role they have played in our squad, particularly in the 2025 premiership-winning season. On behalf of the Brisbane Broncos, I wish them all the best in their future endeavours, and we will continue to watch their journey from afar.”
With Brisbane celebrating their latest premiership, attention now turns to how coach Kevin Walters finalises his roster and whether Baker, once on the fringes, will earn another shot at life with the champions.