Broncos news 2023: Brisbane vows to bounce back from Flegler, Farnworth losses with $5m plan

Brisbane have vowed to hit back after having their roster pilfered on several fronts, with CEO Dave Donaghy breaking his silence on this week’s twin Dolphins departures.

Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy says the twin losses of Flegler and Farnworth won’t derail the Kev-olution. Picture: Liam Kidston

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Broncos boss Dave Donaghy has broken his silence on the loss of Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler and insists Brisbane will not be derailed by the Dolphins in their quest for a premiership revival.

Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins have lobbed a grenade into the Red Hill bunker by poaching two of Brisbane’s most promising stars on the eve of the Broncos’ season opener against Penrith on Friday night.

Farnworth and Flegler will be key members of Brisbane’s top 17 for their round 1 blockbuster against the Panthers, but from 2024, the Broncos Academy graduates will be key recruits for expansion rivals the Dolphins.

Tom Flegler has been pinched to be the cornerstone of the Dolphins’ pack from next year. Picture: Getty

The Broncos are under siege like never before. Aside from snaring Flegler and Farnworth, the Dolphins have also tried to poach boom centre Deine Mariner, while the clubs recently waged war over Brisbane rookie Karl Oloapu, who ultimately signed with the Bulldogs.

There is a view the defection of Farnworth and Flegler could trigger a player exodus at Red Hill, but Donaghy says the Broncos’ ‘Kev-olution’ will not be destabilised by the Dolphins as they chase their first title since 2006.

“It’s disappointing,” Brisbane CEO Donaghy said of the Dolphins’ $5 million raid on Farnworth and Flegler, who signed three and four-year deals respectively.

“But we respect their decision and at least as a team and as a club we know where we stand heading into the season.

“Herbie and Tom have given ‘Kev’ (Walters, Broncos coach) their absolute commitment that they will give it their all this year and we don’t farewell them until the end of the year.

“The market is still adjusting with a new salary cap and a new team, but we now have certainty with our own position ahead of round one.

“We’ve been really disciplined with our recruitment and re-signed a lot of players over the past two seasons.”

Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy says the twin losses of Flegler and Farnworth won’t derail the Kev-olution. Picture: Liam Kidston

The Broncos have launched a $5 million retention drive of their own, securing Origin stars Selwyn Cobbo and Pat Carrigan, who were both courted by the Dolphins, while Corey Oates, Cory Paix, Kobe Hetherington and Corey Jensen have recently inked new deals.

But Brisbane have also copped some retention hits.

In recent years, Sam Walker (Roosters), David Fifita (Titans), Xavier Coates (Melbourne) and Tom Dearden (Cowboys) have joined rival clubs, fullback sensation Reece Walsh defected to the Warriors before returning to Red Hill this season, while Keenan Palasia will link with the Gold Coast next year.

Selwyn Cobbo rejected the Dolphins to stick with Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston

Former Broncos skipper Corey Parker, the most-capped forward in the club’s history with 347 appearances, fears Brisbane have lost their superpower status, making them vulnerable to Dolphins raids.

“The attraction of the Broncos unfortunately has lost its shine,” Parker said.

“There is another threat now to the Broncos.

“Any time you bring another team in there’s options for everyone and Redcliffe have money to spend, they haven’t overspent and they are building a roster to make them successful long term.

“What used to be the big bright red light of the Broncos has actually diminished and that’s because of the seasons that have unfolded over the last four years.

“That’s a reality. Over a long period of time, the big lights of the Broncos were burning bright, but they are not the powerhouse they used to be.

“When I was at the Broncos, I had guys like Shane Webcke, Petero (Civoniceva) and Andrew Gee, household names, to learn from and that’s not there anymore at the Broncos.

“Flegler and Farnworth are outstanding signings for the Dolphins – I have no doubt they will kick on there.”

Originally published as Broncos news 2023: Brisbane vows to bounce back from Flegler, Farnworth losses with $5m plan