Brisbane news live: Premier distances himself from pre-election Olympic stadium pledge; Broncos smash Titans; Could the CFMEU’s days as a political donor be over?

Now to sport and the Broncos’ pre-season challenge match in Toowoomba on Sunday:

Cory Paix has made a compelling case at hooker to be included in Brisbane’s round-one NRL side after shining in a 50-12 trial win over woeful Gold Coast.

Lock Kobe Hetherington, pushing to be the new No.13 for the Broncos, was also outstanding in a dominant display in Toowoomba on Sunday.

Paix, a Toowoomba junior, recovered from a lower-leg injury to take his place as starting hooker and was sharp.

It was a strong showing all-round from the 25-year-old, who darted over from dummy-half to score in front of family and friends.

Paix backed it up with a superb second try of his own in a crafty run-around move with prop Corey Jensen in a short but sensational stint when the best players from both sides were on the park.

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The Broncos have three hookers – Paix, Billy Walters and Tyson Smoothy – in the battle to be No.9 against Sydney Roosters in round one now that Blake Mozer has a shoulder injury.

Paix was overlooked by former coach Kevin Walters for the entire 2024 season, but has already become a favourite of new coach Michael Maguire for his outstanding work ethic and speed. He produced his A-game on Sunday when the pressure was on.

“I went out and did my job. Madge [Maguire] gave me clear instructions to go out and front-load. I felt really good and I felt comfortable,” Paix said.

“I always thought I had to go back [to Queensland Cup in 2024] and work really hard. I did that at Wynnum. To train well in pre-season and play well today was pleasing.

“It is a clean slate here. I knew if I went and worked hard I would give myself a chance to be there round one.”

AAP