Sport Confidential: Brisbane Broncos post record $60 million turnover; club silently sacks star
SPORT CONFIDENTIAL: Brisbane posted the greatest yearly revenue in its 35-year history, with Ben Ikin and Dave Donaghy enjoying the fruits of the club’s commercial success.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Brisbane’s build-up to Friday’s season-opener blockbuster against Penrith has received a boost with the Broncos posting the greatest revenue in their 35-year history.
The Broncos turned over a record $59.8 million last year – and enjoyed a net profit of $3.2 million – as chairman Karl Morris and CEO Dave Donaghy lead the NRL glamour club to new levels of financial strength.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters is chasing a finals berth this season and he has the backing of Donaghy and football chief Ben Ikin, whose combined salaries are almost $1 million in Brisbane’s quest to break a 17-year title drought.
Brisbane’s financial report shows their gross turnover is up 17 per cent on the previous 2021 financial year, while sponsorship has increased 11 per cent and merchandise sales rose almost 30 per cent.
It underlines why the Broncos remain the richest club in the league, and have vowed to give Walters every resource to deliver Brisbane’s first premiership since 2006.
Stockbroking supremo Morris has led the Broncos out of the NRL’s Covid crisis to help amass a $60 million empire – smashing Brisbane’s previous record turnover of $53m.
Former Storm boss Donaghy’s package at the Broncos is $623,779, while Ikin pocketed $347,549 in his first full season at the Broncos last year after his arrival as head-of-football in June 2021.
Donaghy is thrilled with the financial results and says the Broncos are on an upward trajectory on and off the field as they target their first finals campaign since 2019.
“Our football program is committed to working together to continue to progress,” Donaghy said in Brisbane’s financial report.
“Internally, a thorough review process was undertaken. As a result, adjustments were made as we prepared for the 2023 season.
“Off the field, I’d like to thank our shareholders, corporate partners, members and fans for their continued valued support of the club throughout 2022.
“Our club worked tirelessly during 2022 and we are ready to keep on putting in that effort together as we aspire to deliver our goals as an organisation.”
BRONCOS SILENTLY SACK FORWARD
The Brisbane Broncos have quietly sacked wayward forward TC Robati.
Sport Confidential can confirm Robati has played his last game for the Broncos following a series of driving offences and alleged breaches of the club’s code of conduct.
Robati, 21, is also facing court over an unrelated alleged incident.
News Corp revealed last month that Robati was facing the sack and his dismissal has now been formalised, with little publicity.
The Broncos buried Robati’s sacking in a story on their website about the club finalising its 2023 roster.
In the sixth paragraph, one sentence was dedicated to Robati’s dismissal following 17 NRL games for the club since 2021.
“As part of the process for finalising this season’s squad, forward TC Robati has been released from his contract with the club,” the Broncos said.
The club declined to comment further when asked by Sport Confidential, citing legal restraints.
Robati’s manager Paul Sutton confirmed the hard-running forward had severed ties with the Broncos, but hopes to one day fight his way back to the NRL.
“TC won’t be back at the Broncos,” Sutton said.
“Clubs have to protect their brand these days and TC was happy to put his hand up and stand down.
“He won’t be doing much at all for the next few weeks and months. I don’t think he can even play Queensland or NSW Cup.
“TC would love to get back to playing rugby league and hopefully the NRL at some stage in the future.
“Hopefully we can have his legal matters dealt with as quickly as we can.”
The departure of Robati, a backrower, has further freed up space for the Broncos to potentially launch a poaching raid on Titans star David Fifita following Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler’s $1.5 million Dolphins defections.
The standing down of Robati before Christmas opened the door for the Broncos to purchase former Manly prop Martin Taupau, who is relishing his stint at Red Hill.
Taupau signed a short-term deal but Robati’s official dismissal could help him secure a 2024 extension.
“It would be great (to stay longer),” Taupau said.
“Hopefully there will be opportunities that come along with that but I can’t really put all my energy into hoping and wishing for something that will happen. I have to work hard for it.
“I have come into a squad being the eldest player but it feels like they have shaved off ten years of my age.
“It is just phenomenal the amount of energy, the love…they all work together as a group and I absolutely love that. That goes far beyond the playing group as well.
“The culture at the club is phenomenal. I feel like I am 22, the same age as these kids.”
JT’S FRIGHTENING CAREER MOVE
He is one of the most explosive players in the NRL. Now Jason Taumalolo is ready to wreak havoc in the boxing ring.
Sport Confidential can reveal the Cowboys have given the green light for Taumalolo to launch his boxing career and potentially follow in the footsteps of another NRL star-turned-fighter in heavyweight Paul Gallen.
As revealed by this column, Roosters hardman Victor Radley is keen to jump in the ring at season’s end and Cowboys wrecking ball Taumalolo is set to join him.
Plans are underway for an NRL Fight Night following this year’s grand final and two of the code’s biggest stars – Taumalolo and Radley – have been sounded out to headline the card in separate fights.
Taumalolo has been keen to test himself in the ring for a number of years and Cowboys chief executive Jeff Reibel said the club would not stand in the way of the Tongan torpedo having a boxing cameo.
“It’s great for Jason to do something he is passionate about,” Reibel said.
“Jason has come to us a few times now expressing his desire to fight and this year shapes as the perfect opportunity to test himself in the ring.
“There is no Test football post-season, so subject to Jase getting through the season and not having any injuries, we’ve given him the green light to fight.
“We’ve seen how explosive Jason is on the footy field, so if he can transfer those skills to the ring, it would be a great sight for fans.”
Taumalolo boxed as a kid and the 115kg wrecking ball would be a ferocious sight in the ring.
A number of cities are being explored, including Taumalolo’s hometown of Townsville, which hosted an NRL All Stars Fight Night headlined by Josh Papalii and Junior Paulo in 2021.
“It could be here in Townsville which is great if we can have another major event in the city and Jase could headline the card in front of his local community,” Reibel said.
“It’s something he has wanted to do for a while and the boxing training keeps another focus around his fitness as well in the off-season.
“There was a fight night a few years ago here in Townsville and it was a good event, so we’re fully supportive of Jason fighting.”
Taumalolo’s manager said the former Dally M Medallist is ready to produce fireworks in the ring.
“Jason has been approached on a number of occasions to fight but it has never been the right time,” said Chris Orr of PSM.
“Now that he has been given the green light by his coach he is keen to take part.”
THAT’S A RAP FOR COWBOY
Step aside Eminem. The NRL has unearthed a rap star.
He may play front-row for the Cowboys, but away from the bright lights of the NRL, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown is a rapper and hip-hop producer eyeing a music career beyond football.
Just hours after the Cowboys’ season launch last Friday, Taunoa-Brown was the opening act at a Townsville nightspot, revelling as the rapper Yung Maynie as he entertained the crowd.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten and most of North Queensland’s NRL squad attended the gig to support the 26-year-old, who has produced a number of rap songs, including Brothers and Private Party.
Taunoa-Brown, who has Maori and Indigenous heritage, is dedicated to the craft and is keen to juggle NRL and rapping.
“I am a rap artist. I produce my own music, it’s something I love outside of footy,” he said.
“I have always loved music. It wasn’t something I was serious about until high school, then I started making my own tracks and the last few years people have enjoyed my stuff, so I have taken it under my wing and run with it.
“Yung Maynie is my rap name. I don’t know anyone else in the NRL who does it, so I’m taking it a bit more seriously.
“I practise at home. I have my own little studio set up, I record all my stuff and practise my lyrics and then take it out on stage.
“I have chipped away the last few years and slowly gotten better. I am getting some opportunities and getting some gigs around town.
“I always thought I would be footy first, but I have developed a real passion for rapping the last few years. The NRL won’t last forever, so if I can transition into a music career afterwards, that would be great.
“The boys are onto me to do a Cowboys track, so maybe one day I can do something like that.”
BRONCOS SAILING INTO PENRITH
All aboard the Broncos Boat bound for Penrith.
Brisbane’s big wigs are taking an unconventional route to Penrith on Friday night for the Broncos’ round 1 blockbuster against the reigning premiers.
Captain Karl Morris (chairman) and First Mate Dave Donaghy (CEO) are accompanying a group of sponsors and Broncos’ executives on a boat cruise to the game.
The boat will cruise from Sydney to Parramatta over four hours before the group heads to Penrith by car for the game.
TITANS YOUNG GUN FLYING
A three-way fight for the Gold Coast Titans’ No. 1 jersey has erupted, throwing the future of Jayden Campbell into the spotlight.
Titans young gun Keano Kini has bolted into Gold Coast’s top 30 and is in line to make his NRL debut this year.
A schoolboys star, Kini has been upgraded from the Titans’ development list following a stunning pre-season and is already pushing for a first grade debut.
Fresh out of high school, the Titans were planning for Kini to spend this year in reserve grade developing.
But he starred during their pre-season NRL trials to prove he will be ready for the top grade this year.
A scintillating ball-runner with dazzling footwork, Kini has been signed until the end of 2026 – proving how highly the Titans rate him.
With first-choice fullback AJ Brimson also locked up until 2026, Campbell’s future on the Gold Coast has become a talking point as he comes off-contract next year.
Titans coach Justin Holbrook has a high opinion of Campbell, who will come off the bench against the Tigers on Sunday night, but there is tremendous competition for the No. 1 jersey on the Gold Coast with Kini emerging as a star of the future.
DOLPHINS LEAN ON HISTORY
The Dolphins held a touching historic first jersey presentation including greats of the Redcliffe club ahead of Sunday’s NRL launch.
Some of Redcliffe’s greatest players were invited back to the club this week to present the foundation NRL team with their jerseys for the Suncorp Stadium blockbuster against the Roosters.
Maroons great Chris “Choppy” Close as well as recent star Cameron Cullen were on hand for the ceremony.
The Dolphins have 75 years of history behind them, which coach Wayne Bennett has tapped into ahead of their introduction to the NRL.
TAB JUMPS ON COWBOYS
The humble pie served by the Cowboys to the TAB offices over the off-season must have had some flavour to it.
After writing North Queensland off as $101 hopes of winning the premiership last season, TAB is now backing the Cowboys off-field with a multi-year platinum sponsorship.
The bookies were apparently wowed by the backroom operation as much as the performance of the playing group, especially after one of their past legends went to great lengths to iron a second shirt for a TAB executive still getting used to the Townsville humidity.
TAB has the Cowboys as equal fourth favourites for this year’s title at $11 but punters aren’t convinced by the Broncos.
Brisbane has close to 55 per cent of the investments in the To Miss The Top 8 market – more than double that of new cross-town rivals the Dolphins.
The Dolphins are now $81 to win the premiership in their first season, but Newcastle ($67) are the worst backed to win the title so far with TAB.
The Roosters ($5.50) are the most popular team to lift the trophy ahead of favourites Penrith ($4), while the Dragons are the best backed side to finish with the most losses.
CRONK A HALL OF FAMER
Rugby league’s growth in Queensland’s largest private school sports organisation has been underlined by the release of the Associated Independent College’s inaugural Hall of Fame.
Cooper Cronk (St Laurence’s College), Christian Welch (Villanova College), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Iona College) and David Shillington (Padua College) were among 25 inaugural inductees into the Hall of Fame, established to mark 25 years of AIC Sport.
A total of 21 men who have represented their country were chosen among inductees from 11 sports.
Former Wallaby captain Ben Mowen (Villanova College) was included but rugby league stood out for the quality of its representatives, who were all nominated by their former schools.
Rugby league has become a permanent fixture in the AIC sports schedule, contested in Term 3 each year. Seven of the eight AIC schools also contest the famous Confraternity Carnival which will be held for the 43rd time this year. ‘Confro’ features mostly Catholic schools from across Queensland.
This weekend’s NRL teams feature a healthy list of Confro graduates including Harry Grant, Cameron Munster, Valentine Holmes, Xavier Coates, Corey Oates, Ezra Mam, Kyle Feldt, Lindsay Collins and Coen Hess.
TWO TRIBES GO TO WAR
IT was the most explosive period in rugby league history – the infamous Super League War of the 1990s.
Now, esteemed league scribe Steve Mascord has recounted a heartbreaking and head-spinning time for the code in a must-read book for all league fans.
Titled Two Tribes, Mascord’s masterpiece details the toxic divide between the ARL and Super League, tracing 15 months of recriminations and bitterness with more than 100 interviews recalling the political dogfight for rugby league supremacy.
The Queensland launch of the book will be held from 4pm this Saturday at the Paddo Tavern, just a Darren Lockyer punt kick from Suncorp Stadium.
BOXING CHAMP FACES LEGAL KO
Australian boxing sensation Jai Opetaia, has dropped a bombshell by walking out on the promoter who helped him to a famous world title win.
Opetaia became Australia’s only current male world champion in July when he overcame a broken jaw to produce a stunning upset of IBF cruiserweight king Mairis Briedis in their world-title showdown on the Gold Coast.
Opetaia’s promoter was Dean Lonergan, the former Kiwi Test rugby league forward who also helped Jeff Horn to world-champion status with his epic defeat of Manny Pacquiao at Suncorp Stadium in 2017.
But just seven months after conquering the world, Opetaia has severed ties with Lonergan, who lost his TV rights contract with Fox Sports last month.
Opetaia still had a year to run on his contract with Lonergan and it is almost certain the Gold Coast-based boxer faces a bitter legal battle with his former promoter.
It has been a turbulent month for Lonergan, who recently lost his other prized stable fighter, Australia’s heavyweight golden boy Justis Huni, who has defected to Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stable.
“There’s a rumble in the jungle that there’s disquiet between Jai and us,” Lonergan said.
“I can’t comment on the matter just yet other than to state a contract is a contract, terms of which are enforceable
“Any interference by any outside party to disrupt, entice, or cause a breach of existing arrangements will be addressed through the legal system – together with applications for appropriate injunctions.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Sport Confidential: Brisbane Broncos post record $60 million turnover; club silently sacks star
Stranded Cowboys ask NRL for charter flight to avoid finals farce
The North Queensland Cowboys risk missing Friday night’s final against the Sharks after the club failed to secure seats on one of the two direct flights to Sydney.
Why Roosters face easy call in the halves
Sandon Smith is the first to admit he didn’t have his best game last week, but his teammates have backed him to respond against Manly.