Cory Paix Nearing Broncos Contract Extension in Remarkable Turnaround
Brisbane Broncos hooker Cory Paix is reportedly on the verge of signing a contract extension with the club, marking a dramatic reversal in fortunes for the 25-year-old. Previously told by former coach Kevin Walters that he was free to leave, Paix has now impressed new head coach Michael Maguire and secured the No.9 jersey for the start of the 2025 season.
Paix made a strong start to the year, scoring a try in Brisbane’s dominant opening-round victory over the Roosters. However, he was unable to prevent a disappointing loss to Canberra in round two, where star fullback Reece Walsh struggled. Looking ahead, Paix will have his first opportunity to start in a home derby against the Cowboys on Friday night after previously featuring off the bench in clashes with North Queensland.
Paix Set to Commit Future to Broncos Despite Outside Interest
Paix’s manager, Paul Hogan, confirmed the player’s desire to remain at Brisbane despite interest from rival NRL clubs and Super League sides.
“Cory’s preference is to stay at the Broncos,” Hogan told The Courier Mail. “He’s had offers from several clubs, including teams in Super League, but he ideally wants to continue at Brisbane. There have been inquiries about him for over a year, and even this pre-season, he had chances to sign elsewhere. But Cory is happy both on and off the field in Brisbane, and he always believed that hard work would eventually pay off—and it has.”
Paix Proving Walters Wrong After Previous First-Grade Snub
If Paix finalizes his contract extension, it would represent a significant turnaround from last season when he was left out of the first-grade squad entirely under Walters. The former coach preferred his son Billy Walters and Tyson Smoothy in the hooking role, leaving Paix to play the entire 2024 season in reserve grade. Walters even informed Paix that he was free to leave at the end of the year. However, Maguire’s arrival has provided the hooker with a fresh start, similar to the revival of teammate Kobe Hetherington.
Paix has emerged as the club’s first-choice No.9 after outperforming his competition, including Walters and Smoothy—who has since signed with Wakefield in the English Super League. Another contender, Blake Mozer, has been sidelined with a shoulder injury.
While veteran Ben Hunt is expected to spend time at dummy half when Ezra Mam returns from suspension in round 10, Maguire believes the depth in the position will only push the players to improve. Paix, currently on a two-year deal worth approximately $600,000, is in line for a contract renewal, with Maguire praising his performances.
“Paixy has been great,” Maguire said. “I like his attitude and the way he approaches the game. The competition among the hookers has brought out the best in him.”
Paix, for his part, believes Maguire’s coaching style is the perfect fit.
“Madge demands hard work, and that suits my game,” Paix said. “The easy option would have been to leave, but being stubborn, I stuck it out and gave it my best shot.”
