Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds has revealed the decision to axe winger Josiah Karapani was a player-driven punishment, and a statement that no player was above the standards they were determined to put in place.
Despite being one of Brisbane’s top performers so far this season, Karapani will miss Saturday’s clash with the Gold Coast Titans after being fined and issued a public nuisance offence over an argument with fellow nightclub patrons in Fortitude Valley.
The incident came hours after his side’s 26-12 triumph over the Dolphins, with the flyer also dealt a month-long Safe Night Precinct ban.
Coach Michael Maguire has established a zero-tolerance mentality for off-field indiscretions, with Gehamat Shibasaki dropped last year after arriving at training still affected by alcohol, despite being the Broncos’ breakout star of 2025.
Reynolds was adamant that stance needed to continue, regardless of the offender, as he stressed Karapani’s actions “fell below team standards”.
“I think it’s important that everyone knows that the standards and culture of this club that we’re setting [are] above any player or any person in this organisation,” he said.
“Everyone needs to jump on board or you risk facing some time away from the team. It’s a culture we’ve set here over a period of time … it’s about trying to nut out those situations in the future.
“He’s fully aware of the mistakes he’s made – he’s really apologetic towards the group – and I’m sure he won’t make that mistake again. The team culture comes first.”
Jesse Arthars will replace Karapani on the wing for his first NRL appearance since round 27 last year, when he came in to replace Shibasaki.
Deine Mariner will also move from centre-back out wide to fill the void left by the injured Grant Anderson, who sustained an MCL issue (knee) while fracturing his tibial plateau (shin), with Shibasaki returning to the starting side.
“Jesse obviously missed out at the backend of last year and the first chunk of this season. He hasn’t whinged or carried on, he’s gone about his business, and he’s been super-professional in the way he’s trained and looked after himself away from the game,” Reynolds said.
While the average age of the Brisbane squad still sits at around 26, about half have played fewer than 50 NRL games.
Reynolds’ retirement at season’s end will strip more than 300 games of experience out of the roster, while prop Payne Haas will leave for South Sydney.
Broncos veteran Ben Hunt said many at Red Hill were still getting accustomed to the “fish bowl” nature of being a Bronco.
“It’s a huge club here, and it’s still, in a way, a one-club town. I know the Dolphins are here now, but there’s so much spotlight on this club,” Hunt said.
“You go out and make a mistake, you’re going to get found out, so there are some boys who are still learning some lessons, and Kara is one of them.
“Kara knows he’s made a mistake, and we’ve spoken to him about that. He understands and takes responsibility for it, and as a club and leadership group, we thought it was best that he didn’t play this week as he serves a bit of a punishment.
“He’s a good kid. He came into training this week and trained as hard as he could, so he’ll keep working hard and be back in there at some stage.”
Attention on the club has, in part, fuelled the now 36-year-old Hunt’s desire to play beyond the end of his 2026 contract.
While hookers Cory Paix and Blake Mozer are already signed until 2028 and 2027 respectively, Hunt believed he still had a key leadership role to play once Reynolds hung up his boots.
“At this stage, I’m feeling good and pretty keen to play on,” Hunt said.
“We’re obviously losing two great leaders of this club. They’re not just great players on the field, but they’re leaders around the club. They’ve been here for a long time and know what it is to be a professional rugby league player.
“Losing guys like that will definitely take a toll.”
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