NRL 2023 Market Watch: Tesi Niu officially leaves Broncos for Dolphins

The Broncos’ talent drain to Brisbane city rivals the Dolphins has stepped up a notch with young gun Tesi Nui officially joining the foundation franchise.

Broncos fullback Tesi Niu is set to be granted a release from the club.

The Dolphins have snared Broncos flyer Tesi Niu as Brisbane’s old $4 million man Anthony Milford prepares to launch his NRL resurrection.

Niu has formally been released by the Broncos to ink a multi-year contract with River City expansion rivals the Dolphins, as predicted by News Corp on Tuesday.

The Tongan international has become the third Brisbane player – following Jamayne Isaako and Brenko Lee – to leave Red Hill for Redcliffe’s foundation NRL season.

Niu, 21, was contracted to Brisbane for the 2023 NRL season but was given permission by the Broncos to negotiate with rival clubs after falling down the pecking order with coach Kevin Walters last year.

With Reece Walsh joining the Broncos, and centre Herbie Farnworth harbouring ambitions to play fullback, competition is high for the No. 1 duties at Red Hill.

The Broncos confirmed late on Wednesday Niu had been released from his contract.

Broncos fullback Tesi Niu is set to be granted a release from the club.

“Tesi has been in the Broncos system for a number of years and is highly regarded across the club,” Walters said in a statement.

“But we believe he will receive more opportunities elsewhere and it’s an indication of our respect for Tesi that we have allowed him to depart.

“We wish Tesi all the best in the next part of his journey.”

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett is a fan of Niu, who played under Redcliffe assistant coach Kristian Woolf for Tonga at last year’s World Cup in England.

Dolphins CEO Terry Reader recently confirmed Niu was on the club’s radar.

“We’ve still got some space on the cap left and spots to fill before March,” he said.

“There are still some thrills and spills to come in the player market. People have been waiting to see what happens with the salary cap and that’s sort of complete now.

“Tesi was given permission to talk to other clubs so we’ll see what happens. We’ve still got spots to fill and there’s quality players out there.

Tesi Niu in action for Tonga. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty

“There’s a lot of time before we run out on that field in March and plenty to happen in the player market.

“History says January is the biggest month for player movement and I’m sure this year will be no different.”

Meanwhile, Milford will make his first appearance in Dolphins colours at Kayo Stadium on Wednesday.

Milford has been on leave since helping Samoa to the World Cup final against Australia in November and will now set his sights on reviving his NRL career.

He will join Melbourne Storm recruits Jesse and Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi when the quartet make their first training appearance for the Dolphins in what will be the first time the club’s entire foundation playing squad is together.

Milford, 28, became the highest paid player in Broncos’ history in 2017 when he became Brisbane’s first $1 million-a-season star.

But his career spiralled downwards under the pressure, with the Broncos eventually offloading him at the end of 2021 following 151 NRL games for the club.

A court case crushed a move to South Sydney in 2022, with Milford sitting out half the season before playing 13 games for the lowly Newcastle Knights late in the year.

Now, with 206 NRL games next to his name, Milford gets the chance to relaunch his career at Brisbane’s newest rival.

“Anthony had a wonderful World Cup with Samoa and wants to maintain that momentum into the pre-season and start of our year,” Reader said.

“Everyone knows what ‘Milf’ can do on the field. He’s excited and settled back here in Brisbane now.

“Hopefully he has got a good pre-season in front of him and a season where he’ll be able to play some good football.”

Originally published as NRL 2023 Market Watch: Tesi Niu officially leaves Broncos for Dolphins