‘Another gold medal would be very nice’ but departing Bronco rules out Olympics

As she departs the Brisbane Broncos with a premiership ring, Gayle Broughton has stressed rugby league will be where she finishes her illustrious career.

The star five-eighth pulled the strings in her side’s enthralling 22-18 grand final triumph of the Sydney Roosters to clinch the club’s first title since 2020 – a maiden piece of silverware for Broughton since her defection from rugby sevens.

Broughton – who finished with 117 running metres and eight tackle busts in what was arguably the most scintillating grand final in NRLW history – told this masthead she had previously contemplated a shift back to the sport in which she made her name.

The 29-year-old won a gold medal with New Zealand in the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, and silver in Rio de Janeiro four years earlier.

But she claimed while there was some contemplation about a comeback - with the Los Angeles 2028 Games nearing and Brisbane 2032 on the horizon – the NRLW was ultimately her home.

“The thought’s always been to return and go back to the girls, and the rugby [sevens] lifestyle. But I just think it’s in such good hands with the likes of Jorja Miller and all those girls, and the young talent that’s coming through is phenomenal,” the Dally M five-eighth of the year said.

“Another gold medal would be very, very nice, but I think I’m in a time in my career where I’ve just got bigger things I want to tick off.

“I want to really just take some time away with my partner and my son, go be a mum for a couple of months until I have to chuck the boots back on and get the body moving again.”

Broughton will leave Red Hill for the New Zealand Warriors ahead of the 2026 season on a two-year deal, with Brisbane heavily tipped to sign rising sensation Jesse Southwell from Newcastle to replace her.

“She’s such a talented kid, it scares me to think that she’s so young, and she’s doing what she’s doing,” Broughton said.

“I can only see her going from strength to strength as the years go on.”

The Kiwi will return to her home nation with a heavy heart, having forged a palpable bond with her fellow Broncos’ spine-members, but stressed it was the right choice for her and her young family.

She will be joined by Broncos’ premiership-winning teammate and Karyn Murphy Medallist Mele Hafagana (three-year deal).

“If there’s one thing I’ve learnt since becoming a parent … there’s always two of you. Some things are just bigger than footy, and especially when it comes to your children,” Broughton said.

“I’ll do anything for my son. I’d move heaven and earth for him. If that means moving back home to make sure we’ve got more support, then I’ll jump on the first plane there.”

But she will return to her home nation instilled with lessons injected into by Broncos coach and former Wests Tigers premiership-winning halfback Scott Prince.

Prince has orchestrated the most clinical attack in the NRLW, with the Broncos heading into Sunday’s grand final averaging more than 36 points a game.

That arsenal was spearheaded by Dally M Medal winner Tamika Upton – who scored the clash’s first try, her 20th of the season – and player of the year runner-up Julia Robinson.

Broughton said core to Brisbane’s lethal offence had been the bond forged between the group – particularly the spine combination of herself, Upton, Ali Brigginshaw and Jada Ferguson.

“We’ve been together for what feels like forever,” Broughton said.

“It’s such a cool feeling, playing footy is an honour but getting to play some really good footy with some of your best mates is the dream. That’s all you ever want to do.

“The biggest reason why we’re clicking is we’ve got so much love for each other off the field, and we really uphold a standard.

“I definitely can’t shy away from just how close we are off the field, but I definitely think that comes into play when we’re on the field.”

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