Broncos ban Channel Seven from press conference over alleged secret-training footage ahead of NRL prelim final

The Brisbane Broncos have banned Channel Seven from a Thursday press conference after accusing the broadcaster of filming private training sessions that were off-limits to the media. Club officials pulled access to the event as Brisbane prepared for a Sunday preliminary final against Penrith at Suncorp Stadium.

Seven staff were allegedly seen outside the area of the Red Hill headquarters usually reserved for media-approved filming, and two private training runs were reportedly targeted. The action comes as coach Michael Maguire tightens restrictions on filming, seeking to prevent leaks of training sessions that have historically drawn scrutiny from fans and competitors.

Seven's coverage has been a point of tension as the Broncos look to maintain privacy around training. Official comment requests were made but not immediately returned, with The Daily Mail reporting that Seven was contacted for comment but did not provide a statement at the time.

The ban comes as Brisbane readies for a high-stakes clash with Penrith, who arrive at the prelim final as arguably the form team after a 46-26 semi-final demolition of Canterbury. Penrith, led by halves Nathan Cleary and teammates with a proven record in big-match pressure, will provide a stern test for the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday. The game also rekindles a recent memory for Brisbane: a 2023 grand final loss to Penrith remains a reference point as they chase a first championship in several years.

Analysts noted that Brisbane’s best chance may hinge on exploiting Penrith’s left edge, a target that Bulldogs coach Phil Gould highlighted after Canterbury exposed vulnerabilities in the Panthers’ defence in last week’s semi-final. Gould, speaking on Nine Network's 100% Footy, pointed out that Panthers conceded four tries on the left side and suggested there were more opportunities if the Broncos could keep possession and field position and keep the game away from Penrith’s defensive strengths. His assessment underscored a strategic lever for Brisbane: capitalize on the Panthers’ left-edge coverage while avoiding mistakes that could hand them momentum.

Broncos captain Adam Reynolds returned to the fold at halfback after an injury layoff, a development Staggs said should help the team’s rhythm on the right side of the field. Kotoni Staggs, who has formed a potent center pairing with Reynolds, stressed that Brisbane would remain faithful to its game plan. “Me and Reyno have been together for a while. He knows what I need and I will tip him up obviously,” Staggs said. “We just have to keep focused on ourselves. We know their left edge struggles. Our main focus is breaking them down and then hitting their edges. I still don’t think we need to change anything.”

Staggs has had a standout season, delivering a career-high 25 line breaks in 22 games, 107 tackle busts, 11 tries and an average of 137 meters per game. His production, alongside Reynolds’ leadership and the returning presence of other veterans, has given Brisbane a cautious optimism about testing Penrith’s defense in the major clash. While the Panthers have beaten Brisbane in nine of their past ten meetings, the Broncos enter Sunday’s game with confidence rather than fear, emphasizing that past results do not dictate the outcome of a high-stakes playoff contest.

The decision to temporarily blacklist a major broadcaster signals ongoing sensitivities about media access as teams navigate the playoff run. It also puts a spotlight on whether teams will continue to restrict coverage of training in the same way as the Broncos under Maguire, who has already signaled tighter control compared with his predecessors. The clash with Penrith promises to be a tactical duel as much as a test of media relations, with both sides seeking an edge in momentum, preparation and execution.