Super Freak
International Captain
Forum Staff
- Jan 25, 2014
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THE Broncos have staved off a poaching bid from NRL rivals to secure rookie centre Tom Opacic to a new deal.
Opacic has been on the radar of NRL clubs, with the Storm having circled the 21-year-old earlier this season following the injury crisis that wiped out Test centre Will Chambers for three months.
A second NRL club was also eyeing off Opacic, but the 100kg powerhouse is staying loyal, agreeing to terms in a move that will keep him at the Broncos for another 12 months.
With Jack Reed facing an uncertain future with his latest shoulder problem, Opacic has been impressive in Brisbane’s left-centre slot. He made his NRL debut against the Bulldogs in round 16 and has now played four first-grade games, celebrating his first win against the Dragons last week in the absence of injured backs Reed and Jordan Kahu.
With Greg Eden and several other backs facing exits from Brisbane at the end of this season, Opacic’s retention proves he is the future of the club.
And the Wamuran product, who drives 600km weekly to Broncos training, is determined to forge a long and successful career in Broncos colours.
“I want to stay as long as I can,” said Opacic, who has Slovenian heritage. “If they want me, I’ll stay.
“It’s a really good opportunity for me at the moment. The main goal though is just to play through to the end of the year.”
Opacic first caught the eye of Wayne Bennett during Brisbane’s charge to the under-20s grand final in 2014. The former Queensland Schoolboys star was expected to miss the decider with a busted ankle, but remarkably ran on against the Warriors after having four painkilling injections.
It was that display of toughness that convinced Bennett the teenager had a promising future in his new regime at Red Hill.
Opacic has been a breath of fresh air for the struggling Broncos in recent weeks, bringing new confidence to the side.
The Redcliffe Dolphins regular has not been afraid to get involved and has impressed not just coach Bennett but also his teammates.
Five-eighth Anthony Milford, who plays inside Opacic, said he had been surprised by his new teammate’s confidence.
“He is really awesome,” Milford said.
“His confidence helps him out. He talks non-stop, whether it’s just about little things or he’s helping me. His talk is huge and it makes a big difference.
“He’s doing a really good job there ... he just needs to keep building each week.”
Opacic has been likened to former Canterbury Test centre Andrew Farrar with his defensive solidity and is relishing a NRL baptism he never anticipated so soon.
“It’s definitely a challenge for myself but I am really enjoying it and hopefully I can stay a bit longer,” he said.
“I don’t think I was real confident coming into the team. I was really nervous. But everyone jumped on the same page and we knew what we had to do.”
No Cookies | The Courier Mail
Opacic has been on the radar of NRL clubs, with the Storm having circled the 21-year-old earlier this season following the injury crisis that wiped out Test centre Will Chambers for three months.
A second NRL club was also eyeing off Opacic, but the 100kg powerhouse is staying loyal, agreeing to terms in a move that will keep him at the Broncos for another 12 months.
With Jack Reed facing an uncertain future with his latest shoulder problem, Opacic has been impressive in Brisbane’s left-centre slot. He made his NRL debut against the Bulldogs in round 16 and has now played four first-grade games, celebrating his first win against the Dragons last week in the absence of injured backs Reed and Jordan Kahu.
With Greg Eden and several other backs facing exits from Brisbane at the end of this season, Opacic’s retention proves he is the future of the club.
And the Wamuran product, who drives 600km weekly to Broncos training, is determined to forge a long and successful career in Broncos colours.
“I want to stay as long as I can,” said Opacic, who has Slovenian heritage. “If they want me, I’ll stay.
“It’s a really good opportunity for me at the moment. The main goal though is just to play through to the end of the year.”
Opacic first caught the eye of Wayne Bennett during Brisbane’s charge to the under-20s grand final in 2014. The former Queensland Schoolboys star was expected to miss the decider with a busted ankle, but remarkably ran on against the Warriors after having four painkilling injections.
It was that display of toughness that convinced Bennett the teenager had a promising future in his new regime at Red Hill.
Opacic has been a breath of fresh air for the struggling Broncos in recent weeks, bringing new confidence to the side.
The Redcliffe Dolphins regular has not been afraid to get involved and has impressed not just coach Bennett but also his teammates.
Five-eighth Anthony Milford, who plays inside Opacic, said he had been surprised by his new teammate’s confidence.
“He is really awesome,” Milford said.
“His confidence helps him out. He talks non-stop, whether it’s just about little things or he’s helping me. His talk is huge and it makes a big difference.
“He’s doing a really good job there ... he just needs to keep building each week.”
Opacic has been likened to former Canterbury Test centre Andrew Farrar with his defensive solidity and is relishing a NRL baptism he never anticipated so soon.
“It’s definitely a challenge for myself but I am really enjoying it and hopefully I can stay a bit longer,” he said.
“I don’t think I was real confident coming into the team. I was really nervous. But everyone jumped on the same page and we knew what we had to do.”
No Cookies | The Courier Mail
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