Storm chief David Donaghy new favourite to take over Broncos

Melbourne Storm chief executive Dave Donaghy has edged ahead of Ben Ikin in the race to be the new chief executive of the Brisbane Broncos.

Melbourne Storm CEO Dave Donaghy is highly regarded. Picture: Michael Klein

Brisbane is expected to make formal approach to Melbourne chief executive Dave Donaghy as early as next week as the club continues to look towards the Storm in a bid to revive its fortunes.

Donaghy is believed to have edged ahead of Ben Ikin as the leading candidate to replace Paul White as chief executive at the Broncos, a final decision to be made when the board meets on Monday night to select their preferred option

It is understood the Broncos have also sounded out Storm coach Craig Bellamy about the prospect of returning to the club, although he is under contract and Melbourne has issued a hands-off warning to its bitter rival.

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Donaghy has long been linked with the Broncos and The Weekend Australian revealed in March that along with Ikin, he was among the leading candidates to replace White.

It appears Brisbane has followed through informally as it attempts to gauge whether Donaghy would be interested in taking over.

Donaghy was quizzed about the Broncos job at a press conference on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast on Friday morning but refused to entertain the discussion.

Storm CEO Dave Donaghy, front, and coach Craig Bellamy have both been in the sights of the Broncos

However, he is in the sights of the Broncos and considered the new favourite for the role. Depending on what the board decides on Monday night, he may be forced to make a difficult decision between Brisbane and the Storm, two clubs who are at opposite ends of the rugby league spectrum heading into the final weeks of the NRL season.

The Storm is once again in the thick of finals contention and seems on course to potentially win another premiership. Brisbane is enduring its very own annus horribilis as it slides towards the first wooden spoon in its long and proud history.

The club is on its knees. Yet they have the capacity to quickly bounce back off the field and the sense is that if they can turn around the club’s playing fortunes, there is no end to the commercial strides that can be made.

Donaghy has done a brilliant job at the Storm, helping the club grow its commercial base and membership to record levels. He is also well regarded at Rugby League Central and has the respect of his fellow chief executives.

Former Broncos player Ben Ikin is also interested in the CEO job

Talk about Donaghy’s future came as he was forced to deal with a mini-crisis involving the club’s State of Origin star Christian Welch on Friday.

Welch was stood down by the NRL for Saturday night‘s game against Wests Tigers after breaching biosecurity protocols.

It is understood he is also facing a fine from the NRL over the incident, which happened while the Storm was still under strict biosecurity provisions.

Melbourne was due to have its restrictions loosened late on Thursday night but it is understood Welch jumped the gun after inviting a visitor to the team hotel on Queensland‘s Sunshine Coast, where the club has been based for much of the season.

He was forced to undergo a Covid test and will need to be cleared before he is able to return, potentially for the club‘s final game of the regular season against St George Illawarra.

The Dragons were among the sides who pursued Welch before he decided to commit his future to the Storm.

“I’m incredibly remorseful and sorry for my actions,” Welch said in a statement.

“I love this game and everything it has given me and I’m shattered that I have let everyone down.

“Calling my parents to let them know about this was the worst phone call I’ve ever made.

“I know it’s a privilege to play in the NRL and I want to apologise to all for any damage I have caused.”

Welch has undergone a Covid test as a matter of priority, with results expected to be known within 24 hours.

He will remain in isolation until the results are known but will continue to be supported by the club’s wellbeing staff.