Jordan Kahu says he’s happy to have chance to prove himself to Broncos coach Anthony Seibold
Having returned to the Broncos in unsual circumstances, Jordan Kahu has spoken about the reception he received from coach Anthony Seibold and his determination to make an impact.
NRL
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Jordan Kahu has spoken about his bizarre return to the Broncos, insisting coach Anthony Seibold wanted him back in Brisbane and he isn’t going to finish his career in reserve grade.
Kahu is back at the Broncos after spending the 2019 season with the North Queensland Cowboys.
The New Zealand international was squeezed out of the Broncos in February following the arrival of Seibold as Wayne Bennett’s successor.
At the time of his departure, Kahu had two seasons to run on his Broncos deal, but the Cowboys only offered him a one-year contract for 2019.
In an unprecedented scenario for the NRL, Kahu’s manager Isaac Moses negotiated a deal with the Broncos which would see Kahu return to the club for the 2020 season if he could not secure a contract elsewhere.
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Kahu was effectively on loan to the Cowboys – a system which does not generally operate in the NRL.
Kahu, 28, played 19 games for the Cowboys this year but was not offered an extension by North Queensland, opting to return to Brisbane on a deal reportedly worth up to $400,000 for 2020.
Upon his return, Kahu underwent a shoulder reconstruction immediately and will be on a restricted training program for most of the pre-season.
Kahu’s exit from the Broncos was far from amicable, with the 95-game Brisbane representative slamming the club in an online column at the time.
“The day I departed the Broncos was as sad and emotional as I have been,” Kahu told The Athletes Voice.
“I had been around long enough to know I wasn’t fitting into the new coach’s plans. It was frustrating and it hurt.
“Disappointment was foremost in my mind, but I was also pissed-off.”
But Kahu told The Courier-Mail there is no bad blood between him and Seibold after discussing his return with the coach.
“It was weird (returning), but I didn’t leave on too bad a terms,” he said.
“I did a good job of not burning my bridge at the Broncos. I had a connection there. I’ve spent a lot of time there.
“Seibs came in a month or two before I left. I didn’t really get to know him that well and he didn’t get to know me that well.
“It was such a shock to be not wanted anymore. That was a bit confronting at first. I was a bit frustrated.
“It’s good to come back on good terms and be able to prove myself to a new coach who hasn’t coached me before.
“Seibs and I had a chat on my first day back. He was completely open with me. He told me I was wanted back there. That was a big weight off my shoulders.
“Not being at training and thinking about how I’d be accepted back into the group was pretty tough.
“For Seibs to go out of his way, have a chat to me and make sure I was comfortable at a place I’ve spent a lot of time at was nice.”
Kahu’s challenge is to now build on his career tally of 114 NRL games and earn a new contract beyond 2020.
A versatile back, Kahu has been restricted by injuries throughout his career, but is adamant he is not a spent force in the NRL.
“Right now I don’t think anyone has been given a spot,” he said.
“After the end to last year (Broncos’ 58-0 finals loss to Parramatta) they have said to everyone you’ve got to work for your spot now. That’s no different for me.
“I’ve got to get the shoulder right and prove to (Seibold) I belong in the 17.
“That’s where I want to be. I didn’t come back here to play Q-Cup (Intrust Super Cup). I’ll do everything I can in my power to be back up there.
“I think I had a pretty decent year at the Cowboys and proved to myself I could play in the NRL. I’ve definitely got plenty more years in me.”
Kahu has set his sights on making his playing return for the Maori All Stars on February 22, but admits he will be pushing to be fit in time.
Originally published as Jordan Kahu says he’s happy to have chance to prove himself to Broncos coach Anthony Seibold