Broncos skipper admits Panthers interest
NEWLY appointed Brisbane skipper Alex Glenn has revealed he was close to signing with NRL rivals Penrith before inking a new deal with the Broncos.
When negotiations with Brisbane stalled during the offseason, Glenn flew to Sydney to take a tour of the Panthers’ $22 million rugby league academy.
He was strongly considering a switch to Western Sydney before reaching a deal with Brisbane – and then being named skipper.
“It (the interest) was genuine when I came to check out Penrith. I didn’t really have much interest from Brisbane at that time,” Glenn said yesterday.
“I thought I was most likely going to move down to Sydney.
“When me and my fiancee, Jemma, came down, we had a look at Penrith and their facilities. I got to meet Ivan (Cleary) and had a great chat with him. I also met a couple of people from the board.
“If what happened to Matt Gillett (injury-forced retirement) didn’t go down then I could have been down in Sydney.
“But things happen for a reason and good things come to those who wait.
“My manager said to be patient and not rush into any decision. And I’m glad we did wait it out because it wouldn’t have felt the same if I was playing for a different club.”
Glenn is now leading one of the most famous clubs in rugby league, following in the captaincy footsteps of legends Wally Lewis, Allan Langer, Gene Miles, Kevin Walters, Gorden Tallis, Justin Hodges, Petero Civoniceva, Sam Thaiday and Darren Lockyer.
“It’s such a huge honour,” Glenn said. “It means more to me than just being a captain. I want to do this organisation, and the past players, proud.”