“ONCE A RIVER BOY…” Brax and Ricky’s Explosive Return Sparks Wild Western Showdown in Home and Away 2026!

What are they running from—and why is Tane in the middle of it?


A Family at Peace… or in Hiding?

Home and Away fans are bracing for an emotional storm as legends Darryl “Brax” Braxton (Stephen Peacocke) and Ricky Sharpe (Bonnie Sveen) make their long-awaited return in early 2026. But this isn’t a mere cameo—this time, the couple returns for a full-throttle, high-stakes week-long arc, filmed deep in the wild beauty of Western Australia.

Promotional shots paint a picture of serenity. Brax, Ricky, and their son Casey are seen soaking up the Queensland sun, riding dirt bikes, and living what looks like a peaceful, off-the-grid life. But don’t be fooled.

A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it teaser changes everything. As a suspicious truck pulls into view, Ricky locks eyes with Brax and quietly mutters:
“Once a River Boy, always a River Boy.”

Those five words carry heavy weight. Peace is never permanent in Brax’s world—and this time, trouble is knocking again.


Tane Parata Joins the Fight

While Brax’s return is already headline-worthy, the real twist is who he’s returning with.

In leaked on-set images from Perth, Tane Parata (Ethan Browne) was spotted filming key scenes alongside Brax and Ricky. For long-time fans, this pairing is a shock. Tane didn’t arrive in Summer Bay until 2020—years after Brax left. So why are they suddenly sharing scenes?

Tane’s life has recently spiraled out of control. His gym, Summer Bay Fit, is shut down. There are whispers of criminal charges and a mysterious disappearance following the train derailment that killed Jo.

Could Tane be on the run—and has he turned to the River Boys for help? After all, Brax’s younger brother Heath once crossed paths with Tane during another period of crisis. Could this connection have led Tane straight to the River Boys’ hidden base?


Is the River Boy Legacy Being Reborn?

Producers have remained tight-lipped about the true nature of the storyline. But fan theories are exploding:

  • Is Brax’s family under threat, forcing him to confront his criminal past?

  • Has Tane betrayed someone dangerous—and now needs protection only the River Boys can offer?

  • Or are these men about to wage war together, bringing chaos back to Summer Bay?

One thing is clear: this reunion is no accident. With guns, secrets, and brotherhood on the line, Home and Away is gearing up for one of its most gripping chapters yet.

Will Brax and Ricky survive one last mission? Or will this be the return that changes everything—for them, and for Summer Bay?