Brisbane set to launch $2.1 million bid for Roosters forward Dylan Napa

THE Broncos are set to launch a poaching bid for Roosters forward Dylan Napa as the club looks to boost their front row stocks.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — JUNE 05: Dylan Napa of the Roosters is tackled during the round 13 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Wests Tigers at Allianz Stadium on June 5, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

BRISBANE have launched a poaching bid for giant prop Dylan Napa as the Roosters face a $2.1 million battle to trump the Broncos for his signature.

The Courier-Mail can reveal the Broncos have offered Napa the chance to tour Brisbane’s set-up in the strongest sign yet they are gunning for the Maroons hopeful.

RECRUIT: Benji eyes centre spot

The Broncos have yet to table a formal offer for Napa, but have lodged an expression of interest with his manager Steve Gillis.

Brisbane are one of six NRL clubs eyeing off Napa. It is understood potential suitors are prepared to offer a three-year deal worth $700,000 a season for the most damaging young prop in the code.

The 23-year-old is off-contract next season, meaning the Broncos could not secure Napa until 2018. Wary of a poaching threat, the Roosters have begun extension talks, with Napa to meet his management in the coming days to weigh up his options.

Napa is one of the hardest-hitting forwards in the game.

The Broncos are determined to add size and mongrel to their pack after missing the top four last season. Ryan James is also on Brisbane’s radar but with the Titans prop tipped to stay at the Gold Coast, Napa is a more realistic target on their hit list.

Gillis said the uncertainty surrounding the NRL salary cap beyond next season made it difficult to source offers for all off-contract players, including Napa.

“We haven’t had an offer from the Broncos at this stage, but he’s not short of suitors,” he said.

“Dylan will be a highly sought-after commodity on the player market.

“If you look at the front-rowers who are off-contract next season, there’s not too many. I anticipate he will play State of Origin in the next 12 months if his form warrants it.

SWEAT: Titans return to training

HOMEWORK: How Cronk stays ahead of the rest

“Dylan’s first option is to talk to his incumbent club before he considers any other options. He has been overseas, but he has just got back and we will have a chat about where he is at and what he would like to do.

“Dylan can still source his market value but the salary-cap situation makes it more difficult and a lot more time consuming.”

Brisbane have been guarded about their pursuit of Napa but their interest is genuine. Last month, he was given the chance to inspect the Broncos club, but has yet to do so after opting to holiday overseas.

Napa is a Queenslander.

Brisbane’s former Test and Origin front-rower Greg Dowling urged the Broncos to go hard for Napa, saying the 109kg hitman would make them a premiership force.

“They should definitely have a crack at him, Napa would be great for the Broncos,” he said.

“I’ve watched him a lot, I used to play against his old man Stan and he was a tough nut. Dylan is a chip off the old block.

“You need gorillas to win the comp these days. A good big man will always beat a good little man and Dylan hits as hard as anyone in the game today.

“I’d hate to run into him, he really hurts blokes. He would be a great fit for the Broncos, they struggled a bit last year and he would add size to their pack.

“If they get him, they would be a definite top four side and a premiership contender.”

Originally published as Brisbane set to launch $2.1 million bid for Roosters forward Dylan Napa