Right price to deliver Storm’s Brodie Croft to Broncos
Darren Lockyer believes Brodie Croft can bring organisation to Brisbane’s playmaking ranks as the Broncos weigh up how to fit the Storm star on their roster.
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The Broncos have confirmed their interest in Brodie Croft but insist they will not break the bank to bring the Storm playmaker to Red Hill.
Pictures of Croft meeting with Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold on Wednesday was the most definitive sign yet the Broncos are looking to bolster their playmaking options to ease the strain on 18-year-old halfback Tom Dearden.
There is still no guarantee Croft will wear Broncos colours in 2020. Brisbane have about $110,000 to spend under the salary cap and must offload one player, possibly highly-priced back Jack Bird, to offer Croft a palatable $300,000 deal that would convince Melbourne to release him.
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The 22-year-old is contracted to Melbourne until the end of next year and the Storm have no interest in paying a cent to subsidise his transfer to the Broncos.
Broncos board member Darren Lockyer, part of the club’s recruitment-and-retention committee, believes Croft can bring some organisation to Brisbane’s scrumbase at the right price.
“I don’t know if it (Croft joining the Broncos) will happen,” Lockyer said.
“We still have to free up some money under the salary cap.
“We certainly lacked some direction around the field this year and our kicking game needs to improve.
“Croft has some ability but we won’t be paying ‘overs’ to get him.”
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It is understood Croft’s management brokered the meeting at a Sydney cafe with Seibold with permission from the Storm, who are in the Harbour City for Saturday night’s preliminary final against the Sydney Roosters at the SCG.
Seibold did not make a formal offer to Croft or discuss contract figures. Instead, the Broncos coach wanted to get a feel for Croft’s ambitions and why the Storm halfback believes he was dropped by Melbourne mentor Craig Bellamy.
Dalby product Croft was Melbourne’s halfback in last year’s grand final but he has struggled to impose himself on the Storm’s attack this season amid speculation he is not jelling with champion hooker Cameron Smith.
Seibold has a huge opinion of Dearden, who made his NRL debut this year, but the teenager is returning from ankle surgery and could benefit from the presence of Croft, who has played 39 NRL games.
“If he is able to come to the club, it would be a handy signing,” Lockyer said.
“If you are looking for a halfback to kick well and get a team around the team, Brodie ticks a lot of those boxes.
“If Croft did come in, it doesn’t mean Dearden would miss out in terms of development. Dearden is only 18 and it’s important he is given time to succeed.”
Originally published as Right price to deliver Storm’s Brodie Croft to Broncos