Sam Thaiday backs Broncos' Reconciliation Action Plan

THE Broncos underlined their status as one of the NRL's most professional clubs by formulating a Reconciliation Action Plan to redress inequities in indigenous Australia.

THE Broncos have underlined their status as one of the NRL's most professional clubs by formulating a Reconciliation Action Plan to redress inequities in indigenous Australia.

After seven months of planning, the Broncos have compiled a document which formally outlines reconciliation initiatives aimed at bettering the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Brisbane have strong links with indigenous Australia.

Skipper Sam Thaiday and former captain Gorden Tallis both boast TSI heritage.

Thaiday yesterday praised the move and said it would resonate with the late Arthur Beetson, one of rugby league's finest indigenous products, who died of a heart attack last December.

"Artie was a big promoter of anything indigenous in the game and what could be done to help his people," Thaiday said.

"He'd be very proud that the Broncos have formalised this document and that we have made a commitment and a promise to indigenous people.

"It's something I'm very passionate about, indigenous people.

"This club has had so many indigenous players that have come through.

"We have formalised everything in this document, but it's stuff we are already doing.

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"I know from personal experience it was hard to leave home and a great family base in Townsville.

"The support from the Broncos has got me to where I am today.

"The NRL is really on top of it (indigenous issues) now.

"I'm not saying they were bad at it when I started out at the Broncos, but it has become more of an issue that is at the forefront of their minds.

"It is really good to see us moving forward with society."

Chief executive Paul White said the club's action plan would only strengthen Brisbane's relationship with indigenous Australia.

"It's an important day for our club," he said.

"Fifteen per cent of our players and staff are indigenous, which is a pretty strong statistic in itself.

"It's a working document.

"It underlines the activities that already take place in this club and our aspirations for what we hope to do in the future.

"It also builds on and recognises the proud history that this club has in providing opportunities for indigenous players."

Eight NRL clubs have secretly started negotiations to lure exiled centre Michael Jennings away from Penrith.

But Panthers football boss Phil Gould says he knows nothing about it.

Gould last night flatly denied the Panthers were shopping around the club's highest-paid player.

The rugby league rumour mill went into overdrive that South Sydney and Canterbury were keen to snap up the out-of-favour NSW three-quarter.