BRISBANE BRONCOS
Gains: Jack Bird (Sharks), Andre Savelio (Warrington), Troy Dargan (Eels), Patrick Mago (Cowboys), Myles Taueli (Redcliffe), Jake Turpin (Storm), Matt Lodge (Redcliffe), Sam Tagataese (Sharks)
Losses: Jai Arrow (Titans), Adam Blair (Warriors), Herman Ese’ese (Knights), Ben Hunt (Dragons), Matiu Love-Henry (Warriors), Benji Marshall (Tigers), Tautau Moga (Knights), David Mead (Catalans)
Key buy: Matt Lodge. Signing a deal for minimum wage, the prop could end up being the buy of the season. Expected to start in the front row as Adam Blair’s replacement, the 22-year-old destroyed the Queensland Cup. Despite his past, the Broncos know he has plenty of good footy in him and will turn plenty of heads under Wayne Bennett’s tutelage next season.
The pressure: Jack Bird. With a big price tag, comes big expectations. There’s no doubt he’ll handle that pressure but how often will he handle the ball? It appears he’ll be used in the centres to start the season but the game has evolved to state where you cannot justify paying a centre massive money. Bird’s deal is reportedly worth $900,000 a season so it’ll be interesting to see if he sees out the season in that role or shifts to lock or five-eighth as the season rolls on.
Analysis: Even with the recent release of classy back David Mead, the Broncos have plenty of talent in the backline to cover his departure. It’s a strong roster with some smart buys. The addition of Myles Taueli and Patrick Mago will be handy as the year goes on. While most punters won’t be familiar with those names, these guys have plenty of upside to their game. Taueli is a former Shark who spent last season with Redcliffe and knocking on the door for an NRL start, while Mago made his NRL debut with the Cowboys and can play middle or edge. Keep an eye out for Payne Haas. The teenager man mountain made his 20s opposition look like Schoolboys. He’s likely to get a look in around Origin time.