Brodie Croft knocks back NRL return for big-money deal with Super League side Leeds

Former Broncos and Storm halfback Brodie Croft has knocked back interest from three NRL clubs, including two Sydney sides, for a mega deal elsewhere.

Former Bronco Brodie Croft has been brilliant in the Super League. Picture: NRL Images

Former Broncos halfback Brodie Croft has knocked back a proposed return to the NRL to sign a $2 million deal with Super League outfit Leeds.

This masthead can reveal Salford star Croft has agreed terms on a three-year contract with the Rhinos until the end of 2026 in a deal that makes him one of the highest-paid players in the English Super League.

Leeds bosses will announce the transfer deal in the coming days in a hammer blow for Super League rivals Salford.

Croft’s career was at the crossroads when he severed ties with the Broncos at the end of 2021 following two turbulent seasons during the disastrous reign of former coach Anthony Seibold.

But the ex-Storm grand-final playmaker has been a sensation in the Super League, winning the 2022 Man of Steel award after orchestrating Salford’s stunning surge to last year’s playoffs.

Being crowned England’s No.1 player made him a man in demand, with three NRL clubs expressing interest in Croft, but the 26-year-old has opted to go from the Red Devils to the Rhinos.

It is understood the Titans, Wests Tigers and Dragons have all made inquiries over the past 12 to 18 months for Croft, who played 55 games for Salford and has not ruled out an eventual return to the NRL.

Brodie Croft had been targeted by Titans, Wests Tigers and Dragons. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Croft seemed destined to stay at Salford for life just last season after the parties brokered a monster nine-year deal to retain the playmaker until the end of 2030.

The ex-Broncos No.7 was happy to remain at the Red Devils, but financial pressures convinced Salford hierarchy to reluctantly sell Croft in a transfer deal with Leeds worth an estimated $300,000.

Croft was originally tipped to link with Leigh Leopards but Leeds have got their man after the halfback walked away from a meeting with Rhinos coach Rohan Smith highly impressed.

Smith, the son of former NRL coach Brian, helped former Broncos feeder club Norths Devils to two premierships in the Queensland Cup before his move to England to launch his Super League career at Leeds.

Leeds had a disappointing eighth-placed finish this season and Smith is banking on the speed and attacking instincts of Croft to reignite the Rhinos as a premiership force next season.

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington told British media on Monday the Rhinos had new recruits on the way in 2024 amid reports linking the club with Croft, who played for the Storm in their 2018 NRL grand-final loss to the Roosters.

“There will be some (new signings), yes,” Hetherington said. “We have still some flexibility with our salary cap because of the number of players that have left.

“We do have vacancies which will be filled in the next couple of weeks.

“I’m not looking to make excuses (for their failed 2023 campaign) as we always want to compete at the top end of the table.”