NRL 2023 Market Watch: Former Bronco Albert Kelly secures lifeline with Redcliffe Dolphins

Departed Broncos halfback Albert Kelly has secured an NRL lifeline, signing with the Redcliffe Dolphin for 2023. See the latest transfer news.

Jack Cole is a promising playmaker. Picture: NRL Photos

Former Broncos halfback Albert Kelly has kept his NRL dream alive after securing an opportunity with the Dolphins as the expansion club’s countdown to round 1 begins.

Kelly has signed with the Redcliffe Dolphins’ Hostplus Cup team for 2023 and is set to audition for elevation to the NRL squad.

Kelly, 31, spent the past two seasons at Red Hill with the Broncos, playing 12 NRL games following seven years in the Super League.

He started last year as Adam Reynolds’ halves partner before a serious foot injury in round 4 wiped him out for most of the season.

Kelly returned in the latter stages of the year in the Hostplus Cup but did not get another crack in the NRL, or a contract extension offer from the Broncos.

Former Bronco Albert Kelly has secured an NRL lifeline, signing with the Redcliffe Dolphins for 2023. Picture: Getty Images.

The journeyman playmaker, who debuted for the Sharks in 2010 before spending 2013-14 with the Titans then heading to England, had interest from Sydney NRL clubs, but has opted to remain in Queensland.

Redcliffe’s Hostplus Cup coach Ben Te’o has signed Kelly to his 2023 roster.

The Dolphins still have multiple spots empty in their top 30 NRL roster and there is an opportunity for Kelly to push for one of those positions in the coming months, however he is currently not training with the NRL squad.

The NRL’s newest franchise has launched one-game memberships for its biggest matches of the year as anticipation builds for the Dolphins’ foundation season.

Fans can become Dolphins members, and secure guaranteed seats, for the historic round 1 launch against the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium which will double as the Arthur Beetson Cup.

They can also sign up for tickets to the inaugural Battle of Brisbane against the Broncos in round 4 at Suncorp.

Kelly spent most of 2022 on the sidelines as he dealt with a foot injury. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Storm recruit Kenny Bromwich has never lost against the Broncos at Suncorp and said he wanted to keep his record intact while the Dolphins players had also spoken about the Roosters launch.

“I’ve really enjoyed playing at Suncorp, it’s the best rugby league ground in the world,” he said.

“It’s always easy to get up and play at Suncorp. To play a home game against the Broncos is very exciting.

“It (record) is something I’ll be looking to keep going.

“There’s been a bit of talk coming into a new club and what we’re playing for with Arthur Beetson. It was his dream for the Dolphins to play the Roosters so it’s something we’re really working hard towards.

“We want to play it in the right spirit – hard and to win. There’s a lot of history at the club and we’re trying to educate ourselves in what’s happened before we got here.

“We’re always going to pay our respects to players who dug the well before us so we can drink from it.”

WHAT FULLBACK’S DEPARTURE MEANS FOR SHARKS

Newcastle are on the verge of securing the fullback that will allow them to move Kalyn Ponga into the halves after Cronulla reluctantly agreed to release former Rugby Sevens star Lachlan Miller ahead of the 2023 NRL season.

While no official deal has yet been struck, The Daily Telegraph can reveal Miller will join the Knights on a three-year contract, that’s expected to be finalised in the next two weeks.

It’s understood the Sharks are exploring the possibility of a player swap with the Knights to complete the transaction, however they have made the decision to allow Miller to accept a long-term offer that secures his future.

Miller is on a modest contract at the Sharks, which expires at the end of this season, and they are unable to match what Newcastle can offer over the next three years.

Lachlan Miller will join Newcastle on a three-year contract. Picture: Getty Images

The 28-year-old also has a young son and given his late switch to rugby league, a short window to make the most of his financial future.

It is a move that will allow superstar Ponga to move to five-eighth in a new-look Newcastle spine, following the signing of former Wests Tiger Jackson Hastings.

For the Sharks, they already have Will Kennedy as their first-choice fullback, with local junior Kade Dykes seen as a future No.1 at the club.

It’s unsure what position the Sharks are looking at strengthening with a potential player swap, but given the Knights’ determination to lure Miller to the Hunter, Cronulla will have options in their negotiations.

Newcastle could have looked internally at either Queensland Origin star Dane Gagai or young Bailey Hodgson to fill the role, but opted for Miller.

PANTHERS BOLSTER FORMIDABLE TALENT POOL

By Matt Encarnacion

Penrith have moved to safeguard their future by re-signing four of their most promising juniors.

The two-time premiers on Friday revealed contract extensions for playmaker Jack Cole, fullback Isaiah Iongi, winger Jesse McLean and second-rower Harrison Hassett.

All four re-signed until the end of the 2025 season.

Harrison recommitted despite reportedly receiving interest from the Dolphins, who have already pinched young talents Isaiya Katoa and Mason Teague.

Redcliffe also recruited Panthers juniors Sean O’Sullivan and Robert Jennings.

“It’s always rewarding to see Panthers Pathways players remain at the club despite receiving offers from other clubs,” Panthers CEO Matt Cameron said.

“Jack, Isaiah, Jesse and Harrison were all impressive throughout the 2022 season and thoroughly deserve their contract extensions.”

Jack Cole is a promising playmaker. Picture: NRL Photos

“Not only are they talented rugby league players, but they are also great young men who are dedicated to their careers.”

Cole, 19, is considered a future playmaker, made his first grade debut last year and was the NSWRL Jersey Flegg player of the year.

Iongi, who is seen as a long-term replacement for fullback Dylan Edwards, was the club’s Jersey Flegg player of the year and is a Queensland under-19s representative.

McLean and Hassett were both selected in the Australian Schoolboys team.

Meanwhile, Cronulla have also re-signed playmaker Braydon Trindall until the end of the 2025 season.

“We are pleased Braydon has chosen to stay and further develop his career with the Sharks,” Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon said.

“His development in our squad has been steadily improving and we are very excited to see this continue.

“His team first attitude and cohesion with teammates he has spent a number of years with, is a crucial element moving forward.”

Originally published as NRL 2023 Market Watch: Former Bronco Albert Kelly secures lifeline with Redcliffe Dolphins