Brisbane Broncos part ways with another star as mass exodus continues

Brodie Croft may have played his last game for the Broncos, with news that the halfback has signed on with an English club for 2022.

Croft joined the Broncos at the beginning of 2020. Picture NRL Images

Brisbane Broncos halfback Brodie Croft has been released from the final year of his contract to take up an opportunity with English Super League club the Salford Red Devils.

Recruited from Melbourne with the hopes he could help emulate the Storm’s winning culture at Red Hill, Croft has not lived up to the hype in his two seasons as a Bronco.

He started 2021 as Brisbane’s first-choice halfback but was relegated to the bench by new coach Kevin Walters in round four.

He spent time in reserve grade and on the sidelines with a knee injury, as well.

With Rabbitohs veteran Adam Reynolds packing his bags for Brisbane in 2022 and recently re-signed playmaker Tyson Gamble enjoying solid form, the writing has appeared on the wall for Croft for some weeks.

The Broncos made it official on Monday evening, wishing the 24-year-old well in his future endeavours.

“Brodie has a terrific work ethic and has given his all since arriving at the Broncos,” said Broncos football and performance director Ben Ikin in a statement.

“Everyone at the club wishes Brodie and his young family all the best in the future.”

Croft has scored two tries from his 26 Broncos appearances. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Ikin said the decision to release Croft from the remainder of his contract, worth upwards of $400,000 per season, was made with the long-term future of the club in mind.

Croft joins out-of-favour playmaker Anthony Milford in moving on from Brisbane at the season’s end. Tom Dearden, Matthew Lodge, Reece Walsh and Tevita Pangai Jr. are among the Broncos to find new homes mid-season, while winger Xavier Coates is set to the leave the club at the end of the year to take up a contract with the Storm.

Given Coates and Dearden both struggled to make the Broncos’ first grade side after signing deals elsewhere, Croft may already have played his last game for Brisbane.

At Salford, Croft will link up with such former NRL players as Ken Sio, Krisnan Inu, Elijah Taylor and Darcy Lussick.

Originally published as Brisbane Broncos part ways with another star as mass exodus continues