The management team was complete but the new clubs still lacked a name. During June and early July 1987 there was much discussion and speculation both among those responsible and by the general public as to what would be suitable. General opinion plumped for something typically Australian in flavour - preferably, and more narrowly, something associated with Queensland.
Apart from a large stylised "Q", the major feature of the Queensland Rugby League emblem is a kangaroo; for obvious reasons, this name was unavailable to a club team. For similar reasons, the kangaroo's cousin the wallaby was also out. The Brisbane Brumbies would have an attractive alliterative sound but, used in the Australian vernacular, there are derogatory aspect to the word "brumby"; the same thing applied to wombat, possum, bandicoot and galah. Because Gary Balkin owned the floating restaurant the Kookaburra Queen, "Kookaburra" got a run; but the name has drawbacks, not the least of which would be its alternative name - laughing jackass.
The emblem of Brisbane teams had long been the city's official flower, the poinsettia, but Sydney crowds might mistake it for a pansy, with disatrous effect. Neither did the Cooktown orchid have much appeal. Fast running out of native flora and fauna, and with some degree of alliteration a feature to be desired, an American name redolent of outdoor activity was suggested. Barry Maranta's interest in American football had led him into contact with the Denver Broncos. Bronco provided a perfect alliterative combination with Brisbane and it has a hairy-chested, macho ring to it. The board were unanimous in adopting it, and thus were born the Brisbane Broncos
