Alex Glenn reveals worry over possible one-year Broncos contract

Alex Glenn has already written his name into Brisbane’s history but as contract talks drag on, the 31-year-old is having to balance the decline of his career with the demands of family life.

Is there still a place for Glenn in Seibold’s young Broncos? Photo: Jono Searle/Getty Images

• Seibold explains Broncos’ recruitment strategy
• Proof Super League scars still run deep

Alex Glenn has spoken of the stress of being in contractual limbo on the eve of the finals as the Brisbane veteran faces the prospect of a $300,000 pay cut to finish his career at the Broncos.

Glenn celebrates a special milestone when he equals Broncos halfback legend Allan Langer’s tally of 258 first grade games in Saturday night’s final round clash with the Bulldogs at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium.

But whether Glenn can survive long enough to become the fourth Bronco in history to play 300 NRL games hinges on delicate contract negotiations that have dragged out for the past four months.

Stream the 2019 NRL Telstra Premiership on KAYO SPORTS. Every game of every round Live & On-Demand on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Get your 14 day free trial >

Is there still a place for Glenn in Seibold’s young Broncos? Photo: Jono Searle/Getty Images

The Broncos are prepared to consider a two-year extension for Glenn, but the 31-year-old may have to soldier on at a reduced rate of $250,000 a season, a fair downgrade on his current $400,000 salary.

With the Broncos having outlaid more than $4 million in recent months to retain Matt Lodge, Tevita Pangai Jr and Jake Turpin, plus with Origin star Corey Oates awaiting a new deal, Brisbane have to cut costs somewhere on their roster.

Glenn and Oates are the only Broncos NRL regulars still without a contract for next season and the former Kiwi Test utility admits he can’t put his family through the emotional anguish of a short-term deal.

“I don’t want a one-year deal, 100 per cent,” said Glenn, who joins Langer in equal fifth spot on Brisbane’s all-time appearances list this week.

“I don’t want to be doing this (playing for a contract) next year. Mentally, it takes a lot out of you.

“I have been lucky that I have been around the game for a long time now and I can deal with that stuff (playing off-contract), but my other half (Jemma), she is stressing out.

“My partner doesn’t know where we are going and we have young kids, so we need to be able to prepare for things.

“It’s hard. I don’t want to go through all this uncertainty again next year.”

It’s been a long journey with Brisbane for Glenn.

While the Broncos have been buffeted by speculation their boom back-rower David Fifita could attract $1 million offers, it is easy to forget Glenn will go into next week’s playoffs without a home in 2020.

Past generations of Broncos greats have faced Glenn’s financial predicament.

Brisbane’s most-capped player, 355-game icon Darren Lockyer, earned $700,000 at his peak, but played for just $200,000 in his farewell season in 2011.

Broncos front row legends Shane Webcke and Petero Civoniceva never earned more than $350,000 annually at Brisbane, forcing Civoniceva to continue his NRL career at Penrith.

Glenn says the prospect of winning a premiership in the coming years with Brisbane’s emerging batch of superstars is appealing, but admits his loyalty could come at a price.

Glenn has been around long enough to know his value is dropping. Photo: AAP Image/Darren England

MORE NEWS

The loss Brisbane had to have

League to investigate after fiery Cairns match called off

“Don’t worry about David Fifita, give me a contract,” Glenn said with his trademark grin.

“It is a carrot (to stay), to know a premiership isn’t far away.

“That has been my mindset my whole career. I’ve been trying to help this club win a premiership and we came close in 2015. I do believe we can get there very soon, if not this year.

“That is going to be on my mind when I make decisions with my next contract, but first and foremost I have to look after my family.

“Premiership rings would look good on my hand and it’s going to feel good for myself, but I have to look after my family as well.

“It’s reassuring to know the Broncos do want me, but we need to come to an agreement about the years and the salary as well.”

Originally published as Alex Glenn reveals worry over possible one-year Broncos contract