NRL 2022 transfer news: Brisbane Broncos sign former Melbourne Storm hooker Tyson Smoothy
The Brisbane Broncos have added depth to the club’s most troublesome position. Latest NRL transfer news.
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The Broncos have bolstered their dummy-half department by signing a Melbourne Storm product that’s been compared to Queensland star Harry Grant.
Tyson Smoothy will join the Broncos in the upcoming pre-season on a full-time contract after being crowned the best No. 9 in Queensland’s top competition.
Smoothy, 23, has played four NRL games for the Storm and will add depth to the most troublesome position at the Broncos – hooker.
With the rest of their playmaking positions sorted, the Broncos are in desperate need of an elite No. 9 and Smoothy will get a chance to press his claims for the position.
The Sunshine Coast Falcons player was named at hooker in the Hostplus Cup team of the year last week following an outstanding season.
He made his NRL debut for the Storm in 2021 and played four matches, but didn’t get a crack in the top league this year.
Falcons chairman Ashley Robinson said the Broncos had secured a top player and person in Smoothy who had attributes like Maroons dynamo Grant.
“There is a bit of Harry Grant in him,” he said.
“He’s got some footy in him and a good footy brain. He also has a kicking game and I think he will blossom if he gets a run at the Broncos.
“We are happy for him. That’s what the pathways are about. He has done everything for our club and he was the skipper of our Colts when they won it.
“He is a great human being and deserves to be in the NRL. We are really happy for him.
“He has worked hard and I thought he might have won player of the year in the Hostplus Cup but he didn’t. He is a reliable person and the Broncos have got themselves a good player.
“Melbourne flew him down a couple of times this year when they had drama but he didn’t get a run. When he did play for them last season he didn’t let anyone down.
“He is also a very good goal-kicker.”
The Broncos played Billy Walters, Jake Turpin and Cory Paix at hooker this year, but none truly dominated in the position.
Coach Kevin Walters has sorted out his other three playmaking positions for 2023 in halfback Adam Reynolds, fullback Reece Walsh and five-eighth Ezra Mam.
Smoothy will give Walters another option at dummy-half along with young gun Blake Mozer, who is expected to make his NRL debut next year.
Mozer is regarded as one of Queensland’s next great players and has been compared to Maroons legend Cameron Smith.
A Queensland under-19s Origin representative, Mozer made his Hostplus Cup debut this year and the Broncos are planning to promote him to the NRL in 2023 at some stage.
While Mozer is expected to be Brisbane’s long-term No. 9, Smoothy will give Walters food for thought next season as the Broncos look to play finals for the first time since 2019.
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Originally published as NRL 2022 transfer news: Brisbane Broncos sign former Melbourne Storm hooker Tyson Smoothy
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