NRL contract news: Brisbane Broncos lock in Brendan Piakura on three-year deal

Liam O'Loughlin

NRL contract news: Brisbane Broncos lock in Brendan Piakura on three-year deal image

Brisbane have received a major boost heading into next season, with boom back-rower Brendan Piakura signing a three-year contract extension with the club.

The 21-year-old has long been touted as a future superstar and after biding his time in the lower grades, became a regular fixture for the Broncos in their charge towards the NRL Grand Final against Penrith.

After coming through the academy system at Red Hill, Piakura featured in 13 games for the club this past season and now looks set to become an integral part of the lineup for years to come.

Piakura's new deal comes after interest from a number of rival franchises since the November 1 free agency date, but the bustling edge forward has instead opted to remain at the Broncos until the end of 2027.

MORE: Cross-code teenage sensation commits long-term to Bulldogs

Brendan Piakura re-signs with Brisbane Broncos

In a statement released on Thursday night, Brisbane coach Kevin Walters praised the elevation of Piakura's game and believes the best is yet to come for him in the NRL.

"We saw Brendan step up last season and start to show what he’s capable of, which is some really exciting footy," he said.

"He is another graduate from our Broncos Academy who loves the club – he feels right at home here and wants to play his role for the team.

“It’s great for the Broncos that he has chosen to stay and we’re looking forward to him continuing to work hard and keep on developing.“

The prized signature of Piakura could spell the end for another member of the Broncos forward pack however, with both Jordan Riki and Kurt Capewell remaining off-contract at the end of 2024.

At this stage, it would appear unlikely the club would let Riki leave after spending the past four years developing him into an elite back-rower, which could spell the end of Capewell's time at the club.

After joining in 2022, Capewell has become a leader at the Broncos, but also lost his spot in the QLD Origin squad and saw his individual form dip at stages last year. 

Piakura joins the likes of Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan in committing their long-term future to Brisbane. 

Brendan Piakura 2023 NRL stats

Games 13
Tries 2
Linebreaks 7
Tackle Breaks 30
Avg. Run Metres 72m
Avg. Tackles 16
Tackle Efficiency 84%

 

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW.