Wayne Bennett lands brutal blow in stunning Brisbane Broncos raid

The Brisbane Broncos have been left reeling after Wayne Bennett pulled off a stunning raid to poach another star player.

Spencer Leniu . (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Wayne Bennett has landed major blow on the Broncos with the Dolphins confirming the signing of Thomas Flegler.

Just a day after rising star Herbie Farnworth penned a three-year deal with the expansion club, News Corp reported the Dolphins offered the Queensland Origin foward a monster deal worth more than $800,000 a season.

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The Roosters were also said to be interested but Flegler has instead opted to remain in Brisbane.

He will move across town after completing his commitments for 2023 at the Broncos.

“We are very pleased to have secured Tom on a four-year contract starting at the end of this season,” Dolphins CEO Terry Reader said.

“He is still a young forward but already has 74 matches of NRL experience behind him, as well as representing at both State of Origin and international level.

“The Dolphins have always said that our recruitment strategy was about building a club with a strong future, rather than just for season 2023.

“The signature of Tom and Herbie Farnworth are great examples of that strategy at work.

“We are very excited about what these two players can add to the squad we have already assembled.

“It is also a huge boost for us as we get ready to play our first ever NRL match next weekend – this truly is an exhilarating time for all of the Dolphins’ members and our fans.”

Thomas Flegler will leave the Broncos.

The Sydney Roosters continue to prepare for life post-Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, with Penrith Panthers forward Spencer Leniu now also on the Tricolours’ shortlist.

The Roosters are also in the mix for Broncos star Thomas Flegler, although the Dolphins have reportedly thrown the most money at him.

If Flegler ultimately joins the new Queensland outfit, the Daily Telegraph reports the Roosters will make a big push for Leniu, who is off contract at the end of the 2023 season.

The 22-year-old, who played for Samoa at the World Cup, has emerged as one of the standout props in the game.

Spencer Leniu is reportedly being targeted by the Roosters. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images for RLWC)

Sharks winger Sione Katoa is set to re-sign on a three-year deal, according to News Corp.

Katoa’s current contract is due to expire at the end of the season and he is one of the five backline players the Sharks have been busy to lock in.

The first domino fell when Ronaldo Mulitalo re-signed on a two-year deal last August, before Sioisifa Talakai re-signed on a three-year deal over the off-season.

Katoa and Ramien are next on their list — and foxsports.com.au understands the latter is close to inking a three-year deal too.

The club is also reportedly in talks with fullback Will Kennedy, as well as emerging second-rower Teig Wilton.

Katoa has scored 46 tries in his 64 NRL appearances — all for the Sharks. He missed the back end of last season with a pectoral injury which required surgery, but recovered in time to represent Tonga in the Rugby League World Cup.

Originally published as Wayne Bennett lands brutal blow in stunning Brisbane Broncos raid