The Melbourne Storm’s roster transition has hit another snag as the club continues to shed depth to interstate rivals. In the latest development out of the 2025 off-season, towering outside back Kane Bradley has officially surfaced at Red Hill, joining a growing list of departures from the Victorian powerhouse.
Bradley’s move to the Brisbane Broncos marks a tactical play by new coach Michael Maguire, who is aggressively reshaping the squad’s perimeter following several high-profile exits. While the Storm have long been the gold standard for player retention, the lure of a fresh start under Maguire’s rebuilding phase proved too strong for the former North Queensland and Melbourne utility.
Maguire Shuffs the Deck Amid Wing Crisis
The arrival of Kane Bradley in Brisbane isn’t just a depth signing; it is a calculated response to a looming shortage in the Broncos’ outside backs. The club recently faced a significant blow with Selwyn Cobbo confirming his departure to the Dolphins for the 2026 season. Furthermore, veteran flyer Jesse Arthars is entering the final year of his deal, leaving the Broncos’ flanks looking uncharacteristically thin.
By bringing Bradley into the fold, Maguire is looking to inject size and NRL experience into the training paddock. Bradley, known for his aerial prowess and ability to cover both wing and center, provides a physical profile that fits the “Madge” blueprint of tough, uncompromising football.
The “Train and Trial” Path to Redemption
Despite his first-grade pedigree, Bradley has not been handed a guaranteed Top 30 spot. Reports from Zero Tackle and sightings at Broncos HQ confirm he is currently on a train and trial contract. This high-stakes audition allows the Broncos to evaluate his fitness and cultural fit without immediately exhausting their salary cap.
Under this arrangement, Bradley will be forced to wait until Round 11 to make his official NRL debut for Brisbane, unless a long-term injury to a teammate triggers an earlier promotion. For a player who has struggled to find a permanent home in the Storm’s star-studded lineup, the next few months in the Queensland heat will be the most critical of his career.
Melbourne’s Depth Tested Once Again
For the Melbourne Storm, Bradley’s exit is another reminder of the challenges of maintaining a championship-caliber roster. The club has seen a steady trickle of talent head north in recent months, often forced out by the tightening constraints of the salary cap and the emergence of younger prospects.
While Craig Bellamy’s system is famous for “next man up” efficiency, losing a seasoned professional like Bradley to a direct rival like the Broncos adds pressure to the Storm’s remaining depth players. Brisbane, meanwhile, appears more than happy to act as the primary beneficiary of Melbourne’s overflow.
Looking Ahead: The Battle for the Flanks
As the 2025 pre-season intensifies, all eyes will be on how Bradley integrates with the Broncos’ core. With Cobbo’s exit strategy already in motion, a vacant wing spot is effectively up for grabs. If Bradley can impress during the grueling summer sessions, he could very well find himself as a permanent fixture in the Brisbane lineup by mid-season.
Maguire is clearly building a squad designed for durability. By snapping up discarded talent from winning systems like the Storm, he is attempting to fast-track a culture of excellence at a club desperate to return to the winner’s circle.