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Full Noise by SN
Important update on 1476AM'Nipping at heels': new deal but no rest for key Bronco
Joel Gould, AAP • April 8th, 2026 2:21 pm
Brisbane hooker Cory Paix vows to keep improving after securing a two-year contract extension | Photo: AAP
Starting hooker Cory Paix has been forced to fight for everything through good times and bad so his new contract extension at Brisbane means there is no resting on his laurels.
Paix, who has played 72 NRL games for the Broncos, was outstanding in the 2025 grand final win after a breakout season but he still began this year on a one-year deal and off-contract.
Now he has security after inking a two-year extension through until the end of 2028.
In 2024 Paix did not play an NRL match under former coach Kevin Walters. Michael Maguire took over as mentor in 2025 and identified a kindred spirit in Paix with his penchant for hard work, old school mentality and reliability.
Cory Paix moves to tackle Cameron Munster in last year's grand final win over Melbourne | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
"It is certainly a relief and pretty awesome knowing that I have my future secured for the next two years," Paix said.
"It's peace of mind for myself, my wife and my young family.
"Rugby league will take you on a fair old journey and I am proud of myself for hanging in because my future was pretty up in the air here.
"To still be here in the place I love and to be here creating a culture in the environment we want, it's pretty cool."
Paix, who is a qualified carpenter, had fleeting thoughts of giving the game away.
"There were times where that (retirement) did creep in, but I had faith in my ability that I could play and for me it would have hurt more walking away than sticking it out and fighting," Paix said.
"In the end I'm glad I did that."
The Broncos have a strong list of hookers keeping 26-year-old Paix honest. Veterans Ben Hunt and Billy Walters, both on the injured list, are without deals for 2027 but both keen to play on.
Highly-rated talent Blake Mozer, who gets his first NRL game of the season off the bench against North Queensland on Friday night as Paix's understudy, is also on the Broncos' books for next year.
Blake Mozer, 21, is one of the new breed pushing the likes of Cory Paix at the Broncos | Photo: Darren England/AAP
Cameron Bukowski, 20, is an outstanding prospect at hooker who has improved his defensive clout and is shining for Wynnum Manly in the Queensland Cup.
"The competition for all spots has been pretty high," Paix said.
"Those boys go out and push each other every day. We want to get better every day and there are guys certainly nipping at your heels.
"I have to think back. I was one of those blokes so I have to set the bar high and go from there."
