Broncos Forward Jack Gosiewski Draws Strength From Personal Tragedy in Remarkable NRL Comeback
For Brisbane Broncos forward Jack Gosiewski, returning to first-grade rugby league has required more than physical recovery—it’s been a battle through overwhelming personal tragedy. As he prepares for just his third game back from a second broken arm, Gosiewski has opened up about the heartbreak he’s endured off the field, describing his time at Red Hill as “chaotic” in ways that transcend sport.
Since joining the Broncos, Gosiewski has been through a brutal stretch of misfortune: two serious injuries and the loss of both his parents. For the 31-year-old edge forward, football has been a refuge amid life’s darkest moments.
“I lost my father, so that was a tough time,” Gosiewski shared candidly. “I missed not playing football, but I had other things going on in life that were extremely tough. The injury was nothing to me. It happened pretty fast.”
Gosiewski signed with Brisbane after securing a compassionate release from the North Queensland Cowboys, shortly after his mother passed away. The emotional toll of losing both parents in quick succession would have been enough to derail most players’ careers—but Gosiewski chose to press forward.
“Since I have been at the club … I have had two broken arms, lost both parents and opened a business, so it has been chaotic,” he admitted. “The only reason I am saying it now is because I am proud of the way I have held myself and still been able to play football.”
While others may have crumbled under the weight of grief and injury setbacks, Gosiewski has not only kept his spot in the Broncos squad—he’s clawed his way back into form. He says the memory of his parents fuels him every time he steps onto the field.
“They’re a big part of my life and I think about them going into every game,” he said.
Between 2021 and 2024, Gosiewski managed just 28 NRL games across four clubs, his career constantly interrupted by injuries and transfers. But his resilience and character have been on full display in 2025, making his return to the top flight all the more inspiring.
His story echoes that of fellow Bronco Gehamat Shibasaki, another surprise performer this season. Both Gosiewski and Shibasaki were unexpected inclusions in Michael Maguire’s State of Origin squad for Game I, and both players rose to the occasion, scoring tries against the Sydney Roosters in a performance that turned heads.
The ripple effect of these underdog stories has extended beyond the pair. Josiah Karapani, who was a regular in the Queensland Cup just weeks ago, has capitalized on his opportunity at NRL level. The 21-year-old has scored five tries in three games and displaced former Maroons representative Selwyn Cobbo from the Broncos backline.
Cobbo, who hasn’t played since Round 13, will make his return at fullback against the Bulldogs this Friday, replacing Origin 18th man Reece Walsh. Meanwhile, Deine Mariner comes into the centres, pushing Shibasaki out of the match-day squad.
Karapani credits Shibasaki’s rise as inspiration for his own NRL emergence. “I just wanted to be ready because you never know what can happen. You have to be ready for that next step and once the opportunity comes, you have to take it,” Karapani said.
“With Shibba, far out, he has done so much for the team. There would be people unsure of what our coach was doing adding him to the team,” he added. “I said to him after the game [against the Warriors], ‘you will probably have a crack with the Maroons,’ and he was like, ‘nah, doubting it,’ but the fact he is playing now is great.”
While Karapani has been rewarded with a two-year extension, securing his place in Brisbane’s plans beyond 2025—especially with Cobbo confirmed to join the Dolphins next year—Gosiewski’s future remains up in the air. He is one of several Broncos forwards, including Fletcher Baker, Jaiyden Hunt, Corey Jensen and Kobe Hetherington, yet to receive contract extensions.
Despite the uncertainty, Gosiewski is hopeful he can remain in Brisbane, where he and his partner have laid down roots by opening a Chargrill Charlie’s chicken shop in New Farm.
“The plan is to stay here,” he said. “We put that [business] on hold while I was injured … I am sure those conversations will start to come now.”
After a rough patch earlier in the season, Brisbane are finding form again, and Gosiewski is relishing the chance to contribute to their resurgence.
“I have come back, and we are winning again, which is good,” he said. “I can’t say it is anything I have done, but it is good to be in the right moments. I am just enjoying my football and doing my role as best I can.”
With a squad shake-up looming in 2026 and finals hopes on the line, the Broncos will need every ounce of grit and professionalism from players like Gosiewski. While his stats may not grab headlines, the heart and resilience he brings to the locker room have already made a lasting impact.
As the Broncos prepare for Friday night’s clash with the Bulldogs, Jack Gosiewski continues to show that rugby league isn’t just about talent or speed—it’s about character. And few in the game are displaying more of it than the man who’s played through pain, grief, and uncertainty to find joy in the sport once again.
