NRL 2021: Broncos up the ante in pursuit of Storm star Nicho Hynes

The Broncos have picked up the pace in their pursuit of Storm star Nicho Hynes, lodging a formal offer for the in-form fullback.

GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - MAY 21: Reece Walsh of the Warriors celebrates after scoring a try during the round 11 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Wests Tigers at Central Coast Stadium on May 21, 2021, in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

The Broncos have upped the ante for Nicho Hynes by tabling a formal offer for the in-form Melbourne fullback on the eve of Thursday night’s clash against the Storm at Suncorp Stadium.

Brisbane’s attempted poaching raid on Hynes comes as the Broncos consider mid-season releases for prop Matt Lodge and halfback Tom Dearden, who is tipped to join the Cowboys after Friday night’s clash against the Warriors.

Hynes has been on Brisbane’s radar for the past month as Brisbane look to strengthen their playmaking spine following the $2.4 million signing of South Sydney Adam Reynolds.

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Now the Broncos have turned up the heat on the Storm with a formal contract for Hynes, who is seeking a three-year package from potential suitors worth around $1 million.

Stuck behind fullback superstar Ryan Papenhuyzen, Hynes is resigned to leaving Melbourne to play regular first-grade and he underlined his improvement with a sizzling display against the Raiders last week.

Storm fullback Nicho Hynes is a top target for the Broncos. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

The 24-year-old tore Canberra apart, amassing 20 runs, 177 metres, two try assists, three offloads, one line-break and 12 tackle busts in a fullback masterclass that spearheaded the Storm’s 34-10 win.

But Brisbane face stiff competition to secure his signature, with the Dragons emerging as a threat to snare Hynes, who will be primed to terrorise his possible Broncos employers.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters confirmed to News Corp last week he is eyeing off Hynes and he is wary of the Storm custodian’s impact at Suncorp Stadium.

“He is coming up a lot on the highlights reel,” Walters said. “He is one of 17 players at the Storm and regardless of the position, they are all good players.”

Walters also confirmed the club has held preliminary talks for Dearden to link with the Cowboys, who are poised to release Newcastle-bound Jake Clifford to the Knights this season.

Dearden last month inked a three-year deal with the Cowboys starting next season but the 20-year-old could find himself in Townsville as early as next week during a bye weekend ahead of Origin I.

Walters and Dearden at training on Wednesday.

Dearden was seen at Broncos training on Wednesday in casual clothing shaking hands with Walters, who says he will consider a mid-season move for the emerging playmaker.

“There is some discussions happening around that (Dearden joining the Cowboys) but nothing has come to fruition just yet,” Walters said. “At the moment Tommy is still a Bronco.”

Asked if he wouldn’t stand in Dearden’s way, he added: “That is something we have to look at certainly but he is here at the moment and he is a good kid.”

Dearden is not the only Bronco potentially on the move, with key prop Matt Lodge tipped to join a rival NRL club, possibly the Knights, in the next fortnight.

Walters rates Lodge but has conceded his $800,000 deal has put salary-cap pressure on the Broncos and a mid-season shift would free-up funds for Brisbane to sign a cheaper front-row replacement.

But Walters says Lodge, who will miss Thursday night’s clash with Melbourne due to suspension, has not been given a release at this stage.

“No I don’t believe it’s the end,” Walters said of Lodge leaving the Broncos immediately.

Matt Lodge has not been granted a release at this stage. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

“He is suspended at the moment and we expect him back for the St George game next week.

“Matt is still playing here and I am enjoying having him playing.

“His performance last week against the Roosters was his best performance and he is playing well so that’s a good outcome for us.”

The Broncos completed their captain’s run today with starting prop Rhys Kennedy on light duties due to an infection, but Walters is confident he will face the Storm.

Should Kennedy be ruled out, utility back Dale Copley will come onto the bench as Brisbane chase a second consecutive upset after last week’s stunning boilover of the Roosters.

BRONCOS PLAN TO RETAIN TALENT

The Broncos have launched a review into their roster management strategies to ensure Brisbane doesn’t lose the next Reece Walsh or Xavier Coates.

Broncos shareholders were briefed about the state of the club at Brisbane’s annual general meeting at Red Hill on Tuesday.

Chairman Karl Morris was re-elected for a further three years and addressed shareholders alongside new CEO Dave Donaghy.

Reece Walsh has been in great form since being given a shot with the Warriors.

The Broncos powerbrokers spoke about the club’s football operations, business structure and future planning objectives as Brisbane bounces back from last year’s wooden spoon season.

While the Broncos are still a tremendously strong business off the field and one of the NRL’s richest clubs, the team is sitting second-last on the ladder nearing the halfway mark of the season.

A key topic at the AGM was the Broncos making an “end-to-end model” roster strategy their priority with the “aim of greater retention of young talent”.

The Broncos have been rocked by the defections of rising stars Walsh (Warriors) and Coates (Storm) while halfback talent Tom Dearden has opted to join North Queensland next year.

The sight of Walsh starring for the Warriors last weekend was tough for Broncos fans to stomach while Coates is likely to be Brisbane’s only Queensland Origin representative this year, but will head to Melbourne in 2022.

Xavier Coates will take his talents to Melbourne next year.

After fielding a vastly inexperienced team last season, the Broncos are looking to strike the right balance in their squad and have signed proven South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds from next year.

But Donaghy will be tasked with reviewing Brisbane’s roster management processes to ensure the club’s best junior talent remains at Red Hill.

“We are having a look at what the process and strategy is going forward,” Morris said after the AGM.

“Last year we had a very young team running out, this year there are some more mature players there that are experienced and hardened. You need that mix and we are making sure we have the right mix.

“Dave will bring in some structure in relation to that. Under a new coach (Kevin Walters) and CEO, we are reviewing all parts of our model.

New CEO Dave Donaghy will be tasked with reviewing the Broncos roster management.

“It doesn’t mean things are broken but it doesn’t mean things can’t be continuously improved and that’s what we’re all about.”

While the Broncos have lost Coates, Walsh and Dearden this year, they have managed to secure some key retention signings.

Strike centre Kotoni Staggs knocked back lucrative offers from numerous rivals to commit to Brisbane for a further four years and young backrowers Brendan Piakura and TC Robati have also recommitted.

The Titans blew the Broncos out of the water with a $1.2 million-a-season offer for David Fifita last year but Brisbane bosses believe the club can get their roster back on track.

They have signed Reynolds to bring some experience to the playmaking spine and to provide support for Brisbane’s emerging players.

Originally published as NRL 2021: Broncos up the ante in pursuit of Storm star Nicho Hynes