The Cowboys are reportedly interested in recruiting Broncos hooker Cory Paix as the Red Hill club continue to struggle with their salary cap headache.
Brisbane reportedly have 14 players worth a collective $4 million coming off contract, with club powerbrokers busily trying to piece together the puzzle.
Their cap pressures were also furthered after veteran playmaker Adam Reynolds declared he would continue playing in 2026, with many expecting him to retire this season.
Reynolds, Kotoni Staggs, Selwyn Cobbo, Blake Mozer, Corey Jensen, Kobe Hetherington and Fletcher Baker are without contracts for 2026 and Paix could be one player to depart.
That is according to Code Sports, who are reporting North Queensland bosses have highlighted Paix as a potential replacement for the outgoing Reece Robson.
The 25-year-old has started and been used on the bench under Michael Maguire this season, making it clear he has a desire to remain at the Broncos.
“It (Broncos) means the world. I have got my family close by and obviously the Broncos have spent a lot of time on me developing me into the person and player I am,” he said.
“I did a lot of milestones here in my personal life. Brissie is home to me.
“I would love to be a Bronco for life but sometimes in life you don’t always get what you want.”
Bulldogs gun Reed Mahoney is reportedly another target of the Cowboys, with Paix’s reportedly meeting with Brisbane bosses during the week.
“Cory would like to stay at the Broncos but it depends on what happens,” Paix’s manager Paul Hogan said.
“The Broncos are keen to keep him. We’ll see what transpires over the next few weeks, but Cory is focused on playing good football and if he does that, his future will sort itself out.
“He has fought back really well and is enjoying being coached by Madge.”
Source: www.foxsports.com.au