NRL 2021: Dylan Napa and Ryan James on Broncos’ radar after securing rookie Keenan Palasia
After securing young forward Keenan Palasia for another season, the Broncos are turning their attention to adding another senior forward to their ranks to support enforcer Payne Haas.
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The Broncos have former Queensland Origin hitman Dylan Napa and ex-Titan Ryan James on their radar as Brisbane bolstered their forward stocks with the signing of rookie Keenan Palasia.
Brisbane’s aggressive recruitment-and-retention drive has netted its 16th player in four months with emerging forward Palasia agreeing terms to continue his burgeoning career at the Broncos.
It is understood the Broncos are close to finalising a one-year extension for the off-contract Palasia, who has overcome three knee operations, including an ACL tear in 2019, to fight his way back at Red Hill.
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The 24-year-old made his NRL debut in 2019 and has impressed Broncos coach Kevin Walters, playing his ninth game of the season in Brisbane’s 28-20 loss to Newcastle on Thursday night.
Originally a back-rower, Palasia has moved in-field in recent weeks and Broncos hierarchy believe the former Wynnum Manly servant can flourish as a middle forward with his 106kg frame and no-nonsense charges.
While Palasia will join Cowboys recruit Corey Jensen in Brisbane’s forward rotation next season, the Broncos remain on the hunt for one more experienced middle to support NSW Origin enforcer Payne Haas.
With Brisbane having limited funds under the salary cap, they are searching for a well-priced recruit. The Broncos will not rush the decision, but are keeping an eye on James and Napa, both of whom are off-contract at respective clubs Canberra and Canterbury.
The 30-year-old James has played 156 NRL games and is a seasoned NRL professional who almost played State of Origin for NSW in 2018, although the former Titans tearaway has undergone three knee reconstructions.
At 28, Napa is younger than James and could benefit from a change of scenery. A veteran of 174 NRL games, Napa was so highly-regarded by Queensland he was their Origin enforcer in 2019, but the off-contract firebrand has lost his way at the Bulldogs in recent seasons.
However, Napa’s hulking size, aggression and seven games of Origin experience could make him a handy asset for the Broncos at the right price.
Former Broncos skipper Gorden Tallis said it’s crucial the embattled Broncos beef-up their engine room if they want to play finals football next season.
“They are probably one big guy short in the middle,” Tallis said.
“Tom Flegler has his moments and I really like him at times, but he has to pick up his consistency. He has played Origin now and needs to be more of a leader.
“They have Pat Carrigan to come back from injury and have some talent there, but they need to lift a bit. Carrigan can play long quality minutes in the middle.
“There are enough Queenslanders out there for them to look at.
“When the Broncos were at their best they had Glenn Lazarus and Andrew Gee, then Webcke and Petero off the bench.
“The front row is a crucial spot for the Broncos to get right. The Roosters have an old head in Jared Waerea-Hargreaves – that’s where you get your confidence from.
“The halfbacks want great front-rowers in front of them to give them time and space. A good front-rower intimidates their opposition.
“Every pack has a leader. It’s important. Payne Haas is a leader but he needs a great partner to lean on.”
BRONCOS KEEN TO LOCK IN NIU DEAL
Tesi Niu is on the verge of signing a new deal with the Broncos as coach Kevin Walters declared the boom teenager has rocketed into the frame to be Brisbane’s first-choice fullback next season.
News Corp can reveal the off-contract Niu will remain at the Broncos next season with Brisbane bosses set to stave off poaching threats from NRL rivals and secure the quick-stepping utility back to an upgraded deal.
The Titans came close to winning the signature of Niu last season and the Tongan Test rookie, who celebrates his 20th birthday next Wednesday, has again piqued the interest of NRL suitors with his form over the past month.
But Brisbane chiefs are confident they will get their man, with Niu in the advanced stages of inking an extension to remain at Red Hill in his quest to nail down the hotly-contested Broncos No.1 jumper.
It is understood the Broncos could announce his retention after next Friday night’s showdown with the Roosters, the very opponent that subjected Niu to a horror NRL debut in a 59-0 rout last year.
Brisbane have embarked on an aggressive recruitment-and-retention drive this year, poaching or retaining 14 top-liners, and football operations boss Ben Ikin is hopeful Niu will be the 15th player to show faith in a Red Hill revolution.
“We are keen to keep Tesi,” Ikin said.
“That will be a decision for Tesi ultimately, but we are in negotiations and we’ve made it clear we want Tesi to stay beyond this year.
“He and his agent have to weigh that up against interest from other clubs, but we’re hopeful of keeping him — we would really like him to stay beyond this year.”
Since his daunting baptism against the Roosters, Niu has compiled 18 games and scored five tries, including Brisbane’s opening four-pointer in their 28-20 loss to Newcastle on Thursday night.
The Broncos will field a newly-constructed spine next season with Adam Reynolds to be Brisbane’s chief playmaker at halfback receiving service from hooker Jake Turpin, while Tyson Gamble and Kotoni Staggs are vying for the five-eighth role.
But who will slot into the crucial fullback slot next year is Brisbane’s great unknown.
Walters will consider the claims of Herbie Farnworth and Jamayne Isaako, while 19-year-old young gun Selwyn Cobbo, likened in style to Souths sensation Latrell Mitchell, will be added to Brisbane’s full-time squad next season.
While Niu started this season at right centre, his last six games have been at fullback. He underlined his potential last month with a sizzling 85-metre solo try to spearhead Brisbane‘s gutsy 26-18 defeat of the Sharks.
Niu showcased his vision against the Knights, throwing a superb pass for Corey Oates’ try, and Walters said the 94kg dynamo could get first crack at the Broncos No.1 jumper next season.
“I certainly think he can be our fullback based on what we have seen from him over the last month,” he said. “He had a couple of errors (against the Knights), but those high balls are hard to catch and he did some good things.
“He is still getting better as a fullback. He is still learning, he is still only 19 turning 20, so we’ll cut him some slack with a few of those errors.
“Tesi is doing some really good things and he is a Broncos kid.
“He loves the club, loves the place and we love him too.”
Ikin lauded Niu’s attitude and work ethic.
“All reports from the coaching staff is that he is a delight to work with,” he said.
“Tesi is great to have around the place. He is softly spoken, does whatever the coaching staff ask of him and he always prepares well and you can see that in his performances.
“Fullback is not an easy position to play, especially at his age, and he has been doing a fairly good job of it.”
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