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Why animal rights activists are trying to force the NRL's biggest team to change their name and DUMP their game-day mascot

Why animal rights activists are trying to force the NRL's biggest team to change their name and DUMP their game-day mascot

Daily Mail​15-05-2025
Animal rights activists have sensationally called for Brisbane - the NRL 's biggest team - to immediately change their name and also dump their long-serving game-day mascot, Buck the horse.
Representatives from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), believe a better name is the Brisbane Boomerangs, as it acknowledges the club's Indigenous talent dating back to 1988 as well as being a commitment to equality.
PETA also hold that view the name Broncos 'glorifies rodeos' and they would be better suited with a human mascot decked out in club colours.
'Unlike real horses, the human inside the Buck costume can consent to running around a field in front of screaming fans, and no one is sitting on their back,' Senior Campaigns Advisor to PETA Australia, Mimi Bekhechi said.
'Aside from the odd dry cleaning, Buck the costumed character doesn't need anywhere near the level of care a real horse does.
'Removing the 'real' Buck from the field is the best 'conversion' the Broncos could make.'
Representatives from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), believe a better name is the Brisbane Boomerangs, as it acknowledges the club's Indigenous talent dating back to 1988 (pictured, star prop Payne Haas)
Meanwhile, respected footy commentator Warren Smith has called for the likes of Kobe Hetherington and Jordan Riki to take their games to a new level - and fast.
'Other than Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan, I think they are just missing running metres,' the Fox League identity said.
'Jordan Riki has been much quieter than in seasons past....and with Kobe Hetherington in that 13 role, they seem to lack a bit of punch at times through the middle.'
Smith does feel Ezra Mam will be a welcome inclusion in the halves after serving his nine-game NRL suspension as Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt are too similar players in his eyes.
Earlier this week, Broncos legend Gorden Tallis stated on NRL 360 Carrigan 'isn't big enough' to be playing prop, preferring he plays at lock.
On Sunday, Michael Maguire's men - who have lost four of their past five games - take on the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium.
Another defeat will see Brisbane drop out of the top eight - the last thing they need at Red Hill with the Origin period looming.
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