Joe Ofahengaue the latest signing in the Broncos’ $4.5 million retention drive

WAYNE Bennett says Brisbane are building a roster to break the club’s premiership drought after Joe Ofahengaue became the latest signing in the Broncos’ $4.5 million retention drive.

James Roberts and Ofahengaue are both committed to the Broncos. (AAP Image/Regi Varghese)

WAYNE Bennett says Brisbane are building a roster to break the club’s 11-year premiership drought after Joe Ofahengaue became the latest signing in the Broncos’ $4.5 million retention drive.

The Courier-Mail can reveal Ofahengaue has inked a new two-year deal in a major boost for the rising prop as he braces for a showdown with Bulldogs hulk David Klemmer at Suncorp Stadium.

The Broncos are set to announce the retention of the 21-year-old — the nephew of Wallabies great Willie Ofahengaue — until the end of 2019.

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James Roberts and Ofahengaue are both committed to the Broncos. (AAP Image/Regi Varghese)

Bennett is presiding over one of the most aggressive recruitment-and-retention drives in the club’s history as the super coach attempts to deliver the Broncos’ first title since 2006.

Ofahengaue is the seventh Bronco in four months to sign a new deal — joining Andrew McCullough, Alex Glenn, Josh McGuire, Corey Oates, Kodi Nikorima and million-dollar man Anthony Milford.

By season’s end, that figure will swell to a staggering 10 top-liners, with Kiwi Test utility Jordan Kahu, centre James Roberts and skipper Darius Boyd poised to ink lucrative extensions.

With NSW Origin centre Jack Bird joining the Broncos stable from next season, Bennett believes he has the artillery to snap the longest title drought in Brisbane’s history.

Jack Bird will add to the Broncos’ building talent well. (Photo by Jason O'Brien/Getty Images)

“Every year we want to win a premiership,” Bennett told The Courier-Mail. “I accept it doesn’t always happen that way, but that’s our aim.

“You can buy the odd player but the great strength of the Broncos has always been bringing young guys through and retaining them and we’re doing that now.

“The last time we won a premiership (in 2006), 16 players in that squad started their careers at the Broncos.

“It’s the whole system here that keeps players loyal. Guys like Matt Gillett, Alex Glenn, Kodi Nikorima, Josh McGuire ... they have all made long-term sacrifices to us.

“Even in today’s market, we will always try to remain competitive and go as close as we can to winning another premiership.”

Ofahengaue’s signature shows Brisbane’s future-proofing. (AAP Image/Samantha Manchee)

Brisbane chief executive Paul White said Ofahengaue’s retention is another sign the Broncos are building a formidable roster.

“Joe showed us how much promise he had when he played an NRL grand final in his first season of NRL at age 20,” White said.

“We have always seen him as an important part of our future. To have him sign a two-year deal is wonderful news for the club, our members and our supporters.”

Ofahengaue’s re-signing is reward for his attitude shift and form revival. The Junior Kangaroo drifted in and out of first grade last season but in the past month Ofahengaue has recaptured the form that made him a member of Brisbane’s 2015 grand final team.

The Tongan international charged for 126 metres against Newcastle last Saturday night and says he has “grown up” as he prepares to take on Bulldogs enforcer Klemmer.

“I let myself down last year, but I’ve had a few chats with Wayne,” he said. “I thought about where I going and changing my attitude has really helped me this year.”