The 23-year-old has played 44 games for the Broncos since debuting for the club back in 2020, but the hooker has found himself behind Billy Walters and Tyson Smoothy in the pecking order in 2023.

As such, the Broncos are willing to let Paix go, and it has alerted Super League clubs to his availability, League Express understands.

Having come through the Brisbane system, the 23-year-old faces a tough career decision, but a move to the northern hemisphere could be what Paix needs to take his game to the next level after struggling this season.

On a personal note, Paix has just got engaged as the hooker prepares for his off-season.

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The Broncos have opened up their ‘home’ and let Aussie golf star and Broncos fan Cam Smith quite literally ‘cut their grass’, and Queensland’s most famous lawn, ahead of the start of the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane.

Newly-resigned Bronco Corey Oates was on hand at Suncorp Stadium on Tuesday to judge a mowing competition between Smith and fellow Aussie golfer and grass enthusiast Marc Leishman as tournament promotions kick off this week.

Despite a slow start, and several stalls that required the help of stadium groundkeepers, Oates couldn’t go past crowning Smith the new King of the Cauldron, praising his ‘furry’ finish.

“I was actually trying hard not to let him win to be honest, but he showed some really quality mowing skills there,” Oates joked.

“He was under pressure, Marc did a nice job but under pressure he performs and I think he proved that again.

“I might get him out at home, a couple of acres, he can stop in and mow that (laughs.)

“They do play on it every day, they practise on it, live on it, so they should learn a fair bit about it.

Oates is looking forward to welcoming Smith, who also donned a gifted new Broncos ‘Vegas Jersey’ during the turf showdown, back in the Broncos Training Facility at Red Hill while he’s home.

“I wouldn’t mind getting him on a bench press or something, see how much those little chicken arms can lift.

“I know the boys love having him around and just having his presence there, we all watch him.

“Two years ago, I would have said there’d be four players who like playing golf and watching, now I could easily say there’d be 25.

“They’ve got no idea but it’s really cool to see the boys have an interest and be around other sport, and players, Queenslanders and Australians doing well overseas.

“We all play for fun and we get cranky when we hit a few bad balls, they get cranky when they hit the ball a metre left or right of their targets, so there’s a massive difference between us but we always like getting a few tips off them.”

Smith hasn’t altogether ruled out being in Vegas for the historic season opener, against the Sydney Roosters in March, though admits there’s likely a schedule clash.

“I’m pretty certain we’ll be playing that week.

“I’d love to be there, I’d love to be part of it, especially with the Broncos being there but looks like I may have to miss out, but we’ll see what happens.

He’s already begun the great American brainwash on the other side of the world.

“Absolutely, they love it. My neighbours love it, I’ve got them into it, they love the fast pace of the game. American sports are a little bit slower pace, they just love to keep it going so yeah they’ve enjoyed watching it.”

Oates will join Broncos Captain Adam Reynolds, along with NRLW star Chelsea Lenarduzzi at the Australian PGA Championship Pro-Am at Royal Queensland tomorrow with a raft of other sporting stars from the Wallabies, Australian men’s cricket team, and the Brisbane Heat.

It comes as the club confirms Oates’ one year contract extension, with the fan favourite revealing his family – wife Tegan and two children came first in his decision to stay in Brisbane.