NRL transfer news: Broncos sign stars on train and trial deals, Warriors sign Titans halfback Tanah Boyd

The Broncos have signed a handful of stars to train and trial deals, handing career lifelines to a journeyman, Super Rugby convert and a one of the fastest players in Queensland.

The Broncos have offered an NRL lifeline to a journeyman, Fijian flyer and Super Rugby convert as new coach Michael Maguire prepares to put Brisbane’s aspiring first graders on audition.

Gehamat Shibasaki will return to the Broncos club he made his NRL debut for in 2018 as one of a number of players on and train and trial contracts ahead of the 2025 Premiership.

The Broncos kick off pre-season training on Monday under Maguire, with a number of new faces to appear at Red Hill.

Shibasaki, 26, is the most recognisable of those on trial, having returned to Red Hill following four years away with the Cowboys, Knights and Rabbitohs.

Former Broncos player Gehamat Shibasaki will return to the club in 2025 on a train and trial contract. Picture: Getty Images

The outside back made his NRL debut for the Broncos in 2018 and played 13 games for Brisbane before registering another 17 first grade appearances over the next four seasons.

Having signed with Brisbane affiliate club Wynnum-Manly for the upcoming Hostplus Cup season, Shibasaki will be given a crack at securing an NRL contract over the summer.

Maguire is also keen to run his eye over one of Queensland’s fastest flyers in Brisbane Tigers product Ronald Philitoga.

Philitoga, 23, is currently with the Fiji Test team in the Pacific Championships and will return to have a crack at the next level after starring in the Hostplus Cup this year.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire is eyeing Brisbane tigers player Ronald Philitoga. Picture: Dylan Parker/QRL

Former Melbourne Rebels winger Glen Vaihu is also on his way to Red Hill for a trial.

Vaihu, 23, spent four seasons with the now defunct Rebels before joining Souths Logan this year.

Vaihu started on the wing opposite Joseph Suaalii in an Aussie Schoolboys test in 2019 and outscored him three tries to two.

The flyer grew up in the Broncos heartland of Rochdale South, becoming a three-year star for Gregory Terrace’s First XV schoolboy team playing alongside Wallaby Harry Wilson.

Former Melbourne Rebels winger Glen Vaihu will also head to Brisbane on a train and trial deal. Picture: Getty Images

The Broncos are also keen to see how Redcliffe recruit Latrell Siegwalt fares in a full-time system.

Siegwalt was the Hostplus Cup rookie of the year following a sizzling season with the Dolphins and has been picked up by Souths Logan for 2025.

Ex-Melbourne Storm prop Tristan Powell has returned to the Burleigh Bears after making his NRL debut this year and will join the Broncos for the pre-season.

TITANS HALF JOINS WARRIORS AFTER AUCKLAND VISIT

—Michael Carayannis, Brent Read, Travis Meyn

The Warriors have signed Gold Coast half Tanah Boyd after he was spotted touring the New Zealand’s club facilities in recent days.

Boyd, who was granted permission to leave the Titans despite having 12 months left on his contract, was seen in Auckland this week by eagle-eyed Warriors fans.

Boyd, 24, has played 69 games for the Titans since making his NRL debut in 2019.

The Titans announced his departure on Thursday morning.

The Warriors no.7 spot is wide open following the retirement of Shaun Johnson.

Luke Metcalf will be one starting half with the likes of Boyd, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Te Maire Martin also in the squad.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster said Boyd would join incumbent halves Te Maire Martin, Luke Metcalf and Chanel Harris-Tavita heading into the pre-season.

Tanah Boyd has linked with the Warriors. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“Tanah’s arrival will create healthy competition among our halves,” he said.

“He brings a great kicking game, strong game management skills and he’s also a proven goal kicker. We’re really looking forward to having him at our club.”

Boyd said he was excited about the opportunity to head across the ditch.

“There’s so much to like about the direction of the club, from Webby to the fans and the support the team gets here (in New Zealand),” he said.

“There’s been plenty of players who have come this way (Australia to New Zealand) in the past and in recent times who have proven that if you buy in you can make an impact and that’s certainly what I plan on doing.”

Originally published as NRL transfer news: Broncos sign stars on train and trial deals, Warriors sign Titans halfback Tanah Boyd