Teenage halfback Coby Black has long been lauded as the future of the Brisbane Broncos after coming through the club’s development system and starring in lower grades.
Black, 19, was considered the heir apparent to veteran playmaker Adam Reynolds and a long-term halfback prospect who has been a fixture in representative teams and widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Queensland.
Sensationally, however, the teenage prodigy has opted for a fresh start, informing the Broncos on Monday he will be leaving the club according to CODE Sports.
It’s understood the Canberra Raiders have secured Black’s signature, with the promising playmaker expected to link up with Ricky Stuart’s squad in 2027 on a long-term deal.
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The move comes just weeks after Brisbane announced the signing of Melbourne half Jonah Pezet, whose arrival from Parramatta in 2027 appears to have prompted Black to explore opportunities elsewhere.
Canberra acted quickly to land the Queensland Under-19s representative, with Stuart eager to strengthen his halves depth following Jamal Fogarty’s move to Manly.
Off-contract at the end of next season, Black officially became a free agent on November 1 and wasted little time in making his decision, holding talks with the Raiders before committing to the Green Machine.
Black has been a standout in Brisbane’s pathways system, representing Souths Logan in the Queensland Cup and producing several strong performances at junior level — including a memorable match-winning field goal for Queensland’s Under-19s earlier this year.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire recently praised the young halfback’s development but acknowledged the club’s recruitment drive has created heavy competition in the halves, with Pezet and Cowboys recruit Tom Duffy also joining the squad.
“I’ve been really pleased with Coby’s progress,” Maguire said last week. “He’s a talented young kid with a good future ahead of him, but like all halves, it takes time to develop and learn how to manage games at this level.”
The move marks a major shift in Brisbane’s long-term planning, with Pezet likely in line for the No.7 jersey once Reynolds retires.
For the Raiders, the addition of Black is a major boost as they prepare for a new era in the halves, with the young playmaker seen as a long-term partner for Ethan Strange.
After years of investment from the Broncos in developing his game, Black’s decision to move south is a significant loss for Brisbane and a potential coup for Canberra — one that could shape both clubs’ futures in the coming seasons.
The move will also put pressure on the signing of Pezet, with Broncos fans previously critical of the club letting promising juniors slip away only to thrive elsewhere.
There’s no doubt winning the premiership under Maguire in 2025 would buy patience and goodwill from fans, but the next generation of playmakers will ultimately define Brisbane’s future.
The Broncos have gambled on experience over patience — and only time will tell whether Coby Black was the one that got away.
