It appears possible Queensland Origin bolter Joe Ofahengaue has agreed to shun rival clubs and remain a Bronco.
“Joe Ofahengaue has been in talks with the Broncos for a while now about staying and he’s agreed to a three-year-deal with the Broncos, a pretty lucrative one for Joe Ofahengaue," Sporting News contributor and The Australian reporter Brent Read told The Rush Hour with MG.
“That young forward pack, they’re piecing it all together and keeping them all for the long-term.”
No official statement has been made yet.
Since debuting with the Broncos in 2015, the 23-year-old has played 78 games – including all eight games this year, with six of those eight games a starting role.
His most recent contract was a two-year deal, signed in 2017.
As recently as March a four-year deal had been rumoured to be on the table, with the Queenslander fielding offers from rival teams as well.
“I’m on contract for this year and I want to fight my hardest for a contract here,’’ he told The Courier Mail.
“The Broncos are where I want to be. I am talking to other clubs, just to keep some insurance.
“It’s a discussion for how long I want to stay here. We’ll go into more discussion here (with the Broncos) in the next few weeks.
With Ofahengaue now locked away and Kodi Nikorima off the books, the focus will move to another forward.
“Matt Lodge, who has an option in his deal, there’s been some speculation that he wants to move back to Sydney, I think Brisbane will keep him,” Read said.
“The other one is Tevita Pangai. They desperately want to keep him as well but obviously the Broncos have to find the money for both of those guys – and neither come cheap.”
Ofahengaue is just one of Brisbane’s stacked – but green – pack. Already this year Tevita Pangai Junior (3), Payne Haas (2) and Matt Lodge (2) have earned Dally M points.
Already part of Queensland’s Emerging Squad, teammate and former Origin star Darius Boyd reckons the rampaging prop’s time has come.
“Joffa should be in the Queensland team this year in my opinion because we are lacking a little bit in middle forwards and the side needs someone like him," Boyd told NRL.com
"He is one of the most experienced of the guys in his position not in the team already. He works hard, has a great motor and doesn't make mistakes. He has all the traits that you want to see in an Origin player."
