Cory Paix’s hopes of remaining a one-club player with the Brisbane Broncos appear to be fading, with the 25-year-old hooker reportedly required to take a significant pay cut to stay at Red Hill.
Amid a growing salary cap crunch, the Broncos are prioritising new deals for other key players, placing Paix’s future with the club in serious doubt.
The cap pressure has already forced Queensland Maroons talent Selwyn Cobbo to accept a deal with the Dolphins for 2025, after Brisbane could only offer $300,000, half of his current salary.
Paix may be the next casualty, with reports suggesting he’d need to accept a cut of approximately $150,000, bringing his salary down to near the NRL minimum of $130,000.
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Currently earning around $300,000 per season, Paix has featured heavily as Brisbane’s starting No.9 this year.
However, The Courier Mail reports the Broncos are unwilling to match that price tag, especially as they move to secure Kobe Hetherington and Corey Jensen on new multi-year deals.
In recent weeks, Brisbane has extended key figures including Adam Reynolds, Kotoni Staggs, and promising hooker Blake Mozer, all while having long-term deals on the books for marquee stars Reece Walsh, Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan, Ezra Mam, and veteran Ben Hunt.
Paix’s situation has become more complex with Hunt returning from injury and reclaiming the No.9 jersey.
The 25-year-old hooker was dropped from the 17-man squad last round due to an elbow issue, further casting doubt on his position in the pecking order.
Meanwhile, Billy Walters remains under contract through the end of next season.
The Gold Coast Titans have emerged as a likely suitor, with Paix's exit from Brisbane appearing almost inevitable unless he accepts a minimal deal.
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Broncos veteran Ben Hunt expressed support for Paix, acknowledging the value he brings to the team.
“Cory has been excellent for us this year,” Hunt said.
“He’s just a little bull terrier. He just rips into his work. He’s fit as all hell and he knows the game well.
“Cory played a bit of halfback in his junior days so he’s got a good head on his shoulders and he’s very tough.
“I actually do feel for him a bit (being in limbo). ‘Paixy’ is a really good clubman, too.
“He’s well-loved around the place and just a great contributor to the club.”