Broncos’ hit list revealed… and how they can sign $750k star for ‘24 while staying under the cap

The Broncos are on the lookout to sign a forward, effective immediately, to help fill the void left by their departed grand final stars.

Backrower Kurt Capewell joined the Warriors on a three-year deal which has seen Brendan Piakura promoted to the starting pack.

Piakura injured his knee in Brisbane’s final trial but returned in time for the season opener in Las Vegas, only to be concussed in the opening minutes.

That forced Pat Carrigan to move to an edge from the middle where the Broncos are also short this season having lost Tom Flegler (Dolphins) and Keenan Palasia (Titans).

Brisbane has two spots left on their top 30 roster this season and the club are keen to improve their backrow depth.

The club has about $300,000 to spend and officials have hit the phones asking player agents for a list of their available backrowers, according to The Courier Mail.

Considering the NRL financial year starts in November, the Broncos could in theory sign a player for this season who is worth around $500,000 annually.

Former Brisbane star Tevita Pangai Jr played Queensland Cup last weekend after quitting the Bulldogs last year and walking out on a $750,000 deal.

If the NRL place that same value on him, the Broncos could sign Pangai Jr in roughly two months to ensure they stay under the cap.

There are also upwards of 20 backrowers at rival NRL clubs currently on the open market, headlined by Jaydn Su’A, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Luke Garner and Angus Crichton, Coen Hess, Klese Haas, Trey Mooney and Euan Aitken

The Broncos made a play for Zac Hosking before he joined with the Raiders, but they did sign Jaiyden Hunt from the Dragons

“I’m not surprised if the Broncos have decided to go to market,” club legend Corey Parker said.

“When they lost Piakura in Round 1 they were a bit light on the edges, so that suggests to me that they do need more depth in the forwards.

“It depends if they want someone who has been there and done it as an NRL player, or do they want to develop someone?

“I guess they want some with experience who can hit the ground running. They wouldn’t have planned on losing Kurt Capewell this season, so that’s put a dent in the depth.

“Piakura is only young and may not play the whole season, so they need one more backrower.”