NRL news: Broncos hit open market for forward stocks after heavy off-season departures

The Broncos were exposed in round one for their lack of forwards depth in their roster, leading to a plunge into the bargain bin by their recruitment chiefs to try and bolster their stocks.

The Broncos have hit the open market to bolster forward stocks.

The Broncos have hit the open market in a bid to bolster their forward stocks following the loss of grand-final big guns Kurt Capewell, Keenan Palasia and Tom Flegler.

This masthead can reveal Brisbane recruitment chiefs are going shopping for a back-rower ahead of Thursday night’s round 2 clash against South Sydney at Suncorp Stadium.

The Broncos have two vacancies left to fill on their 30-man full-time roster and Brisbane’s second-row depth was laid bare in their 20-10 loss to the Roosters last week in Las Vegas.

Boom back-rower Brendan Piakura lasted just four minutes against the Roosters after suffering a head knock, forcing star lock Pat Carrigan from the middle to the edge in a reshuffle that had chaotic repercussions for Brisbane’s front-row rotation.

Brisbane’s forward experience has been eroded by the off-season departure of Flegler (Dolphins) and Palasia (Titans), while Capewell’s move to a rival club came 12 months earlier than expected.

Vice-captain Capewell was a key defensive warrior on Brisbane’s left edge, but his summer shift to the Warriors has forced the Broncos to expedite the development of Piakura, who has played just 17 NRL games.

The off-season departures of Thomas Flegler, Kurt Capewell and Keenan Palasia have hurt the Broncos' forward stocks. Pictures: Adam Head, NRL Photos

And while Palasia was not one of Brisbane’s marquee stars, he was a valuable member of their top 17 because of his ability to play front or back row.

The Broncos signed Jaiyden Hunt from the Dragons in the off-season, but they are scouring the player market for more edge forwards and have around $300,000 to spend under the salary cap.

Broncos bosses have contacted leading NRL player agents requesting a list of available forwards.

There are at least 23 back-rowers off-contract at season’s end, including Queensland Origin hitman Jaydn Su’A, Penrith’s Luke Garner and Cowboys young gun Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.

The Broncos made a recent play to bring Zac Hosking back to Red Hill, but the Raiders won a bidding war for his signature.

Former Broncos skipper Corey Parker backed Brisbane’s recruitment strategy, believing last year’s grand finalists need more troops to support starting back-rowers Piakura and Jordan Riki.

“I’m not surprised if the Broncos have decided to go to market,” Parker said.

“When they lost Piakura in round 1 they were a bit light on the edges, so that suggests to me that they do need more depth in the forwards.

The round one injury to Brendan Piakura exposed the Broncos’ concerning forward pack depth. Picture: NRL Photos

“It depends if they want someone who has been there and done it as an NRL player, or do they want to develop someone?

“I guess they want some with experience who can hit the ground running.

“They wouldn’t have planned on losing Kurt Capewell this season, so that’s put a dent in the depth.

“Piakura is only young and may not play the whole season, so they need one more back-rower.”

Parker says one option for the Broncos is right on their doorstep.

Former Broncos powerhouse Tevita Pangai Jr made his comeback to rugby league last Saturday night when he turned out for Brisbane’s feeder-club Souths Logan _ seven months after quitting the Bulldogs.

Under the NRL’s notional-value system, Pangai Jr – whose last contract at the Bulldogs was $750,000 – would be worth around $277,000 under the salary cap on a pro-rata deal if he was signed by Brisbane after round 16.

Will we see Tevita Pangai Jr back in Broncos colours? Pic NRL Photos.

“The Broncos could do worse than sign Tevita Pangai Jr,” Parker said.

“He is the perfect option really if they want another back-rower.

“He can play on the edge and he can move into the middle if the Broncos needed him.

“He is a wonderful athlete, he has power, he is back playing the game and I believe he is motivated again.

“The Broncos could get him at the right price, too, so it’s a no-brainer really.”

Broncos coach Kevin Walters is adamant Brisbane have sufficient mongrel without front-row enforcer Flegler to challenge for this year’s title.

“I’m not so worried about that,” he said.

“We have guys in our team who can step up with aggression for sure.

“’Fleg’ and ‘Capes’ were tremendous players, they brought a lot to the team, but someone else has to step up.

“There’s no doubt it will be tough to replace them, but I’m comfortable with the replacements we have and what they can offer.”