The Broncos have earned some much-needed relief amid what has been a horror series of weeks for the struggling club with rising fullback Tesi Niu turning his back on interest from the Titans to sign a new extension.
The one-year upgrade sees the promising Tongan international remain at Red Hill until at least the end of next season.
Having arrived at the club as a 12-year-old and spent five years in the club's elite development pathway program, Niu is viewed as a long-term prospect by the club.
“Tesi is a fine young man and really exciting player who has come through our elite development pathways – we have known him since he was a 12-year-old and he has always impressed us with his commitment and hard work," Broncos CEO Paul White said.
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“He displays the values and character we want here at the Broncos and we are really excited that he has chosen to stay with us as he develops his NRL career.”
Niu has again been named to start at fullback this weekend as Brisbane prepare to end a five-game losing streak when they face the Bulldogs on Saturday.
Anthony Seibold has preferred Niu over Kiwi international Jamayne Isaako in the custodian role since the 18-year-old made his NRL debut in the round four demolishing against the Roosters.
Seibold said Niu's re-signing is another reward for his hard-work and a strong indication for the high regard the club holds in him.
“Tesi has got a fantastic work ethic … he’s had to work very hard to get to where he is right now and he is always extremely diligent with his preparation," Seibold said.
“The players and coaching staff are really fond of Tesi, he is a very polite and respectful young man with a great attitude- exactly the type of player we want at the Broncos.”
Since debuting from the interchange bench in round four, Niu has started the last two games in losses to the Titans and Warriors, with Seibold giving the youngster his first full 80-minute stint in the number one jersey last week where he ran for 136 metres.
In four games, Niu has averaged 82 metres and has made seven tackle-breaks, one try assist and a linebreak.
