NRL 2023: Broncos test forward Keenan Palasia sign two-year deal with Gold Coast Titans

The Broncos have been dealt a huge blow early in the off-season with the defection of one of its Test stars to a Queensland rival.

Gold Coast have struck another blow on derby rivals the Broncos by poaching Brisbane forward Keenan Palasia in a $600,000 recruitment coup for the Titans.

As revealed by News Corp, Palasia has knocked back an extension offer from Brisbane and will quit the Broncos after opting to ink a two-year deal with the Titans for the 2024-25 seasons.

The Samoan Test forward held talks with Broncos coach Kevin Walters in recent weeks about the prospect of an early release, which was rejected by Brisbane hierarchy.

The Broncos had discussed a new deal for Palasia and were hoping he would commit to the club for 2024 and beyond, but the versatile prop or back-rower has pledged his future to the Titans.

The Gold Coast announced Palasia’s acquisition on Thursday in another boost for the Titans, who also trumped ‘Big Brother’ Brisbane in the battle for the signature of Broncos sensation David Fifita two years ago.

Keenan Palasia has defected from the Broncos to Qld rivals Gold Coast. Picture: NRL Photos

“We’re excited to have Keenan join us and we know, given the way he plays the game, that he will fit in with our forward pack,” Titans coach Justin Holbrook said.

“He’s a player that is able to play big minutes and has shown his versatility in the games he has played so far.

“Keenan has had a good taste of NRL football already, but we’re confident that he will continue to develop his game and we’re thrilled that he will be doing that with us at the Titans.

“He went to school at Palm Beach Currumbin State High School and is keen to come home to the Gold Coast and to represent the region which is something I like.”

It is understood Palasia’s Titans deal is worth around $300,000 annually, a significant increase on his estimated Broncos salary of $200,000 next season.

Originally off-contract at the end of 2023, Palasia headed to free agency last month after two meetings with Walters at which he confessed to the Broncos coach he was unsure about where he stood in Brisbane’s forward pecking order.

Walters assured Palasia he was a key part of Brisbane’s plans for the 2023 premiership and while the 25-year-old intends to honour his Broncos deal, his signing with the Titans could precipitate an earlier transfer.

Palasia was reportedly left unsure about his place in the Broncos team after two meetings with coach Kevin Walters. Picture: Getty Images.

Just 12 months ago, Palasia displayed extraordinary loyalty to the Broncos, turning down a four-year, $1 million offer from Manly to sign a short-term deal with Brisbane - a sacrifice of around $800,000.

This time, the rugged forward had interest from a number of clubs, including the Dragons and Warriors, but is keen to make an impact at the Titans.

The former Queensland under-20s young gun believes he is ready to be a regular NRL starter and questioned if he would get that chance at the Broncos in a middle-forward rotation led by Payne Haas, Tom Flegler and Pat Carrigan.

Palasia started the 2022 season in fine form, starting in six consecutive games, only to be eventually dropped to the bench, playing 14 of his 22 matches off interchange.

Palasia has fought back from five operations, including two knee reconstructions, to play 33 NRL games since his Broncos debut in 2019 and shapes as a handy addition to the Titans’ forward pack from 2024.

The Titans have lost three props - Jarrod Wallace, Herman Ese’ese and Sam Lisone - to other clubs in the off-season.

Palm Beach Currumbin product Palasia will bring skill, hard-running and offloading ability as he battles Gold Coast bookends Mo Fotuaika, Isaac Liu and Jaimin Joliffe for a starting front-row berth.

Palasia is the second Bronco in a month to seek an early release after fullback Tesi Niu was given permission to negotiate with rival clubs by coach Walters.

Palasia, who made his Samoa Test debut against the Cook Islands in June, told News Corp last week of his plans to quit the Broncos.

“I have let ‘Kevvie’ know I would prefer to head home,” said Palasia, who grew up on the Gold Coast.

“I spoke to Kevvie about it.

“He said he wants to keep me and there is a role for me within the squad.

“The Broncos have been good to me, which is why I stayed loyal last time, and Kev has been great in how straight he is with his decisions and communication.

“But I feel I can be a starting player.

“My best years are ahead of me and I want to play at a club which I feel better suits my style of play.”

Originally published as NRL 2023: Broncos test forward Keenan Palasia sign two-year deal with Gold Coast Titans