TERRIFIC TE’O

Broncos coach keen to sign former Maroons star

BRONCOS coach Anthony Seibold has confirmed his interest in signing rugby union convert and former Queensland State of Origin star Ben Te’o.

With doubt hovering over the future of Super Rugby amid the coronavirus pandemic, Te’o could return to the NRL this season.

The 33-year-old is contracted to Japan’s Sunwolves, but is in Brisbane while the Super Rugby season is on hold.

Speculation has surfaced the 2014 South Sydney premiership-winning second-rower could seek a return to the NRL, and the Broncos are in the mix to secure his signature.

Te’o played 75 NRL games for the Broncos from 2009-12 before moving to South Sydney for two years, then moving to rugby union.

Te’o made six Origin appearances for the Maroons from 2012-14 and at his best was a classy edge back-rower with brutal defence and clever line- running.

“Ben Te’o is an elite player,” Seibold said.

“I’m sure most NRL clubs would have some interest in Ben. He’s done everything in both codes. He’s played for England, the British Lions, the Queensland Origin team and won an NRL premiership.

“We haven’t had any conversations with Ben as such.

“I know he’s living in Brisbane, so we’ll see what happens with the competition structure and when we start again. At this stage we don’t have a spot available. Ben is still signed to the Sunwolves until the end of May and depending on what happens with Super Rugby, it could be longer ... he is an elite player, there’s no doubt about that.”

The Broncos had filled their 30-man roster, but an opening appeared when the club quietly parted ways with former Queensland Reds rising star Izaia Perese last month.

Perese was released by the Broncos after being charged with illicit-drug offences.

The Broncos were planning to upgrade impressive young fullback Tesi Niu from a development player contract to their top 30 roster, but all contracts have been put on hold by the NRL.

The Broncos’ forward depth was tested in the only two round of the NRL season to date with Matt Lodge (knee), Alex Glenn (hamstring) and Joe Ofahengaue (suspended) all unavailable.

Edge forward Tevita Pangai Jr has to serve a four-week suspension when the NRL resumes, and a player of Te’o’s pedigree could fill that void if he joins the Broncos.

While he didn’t rule out making a play for Te’o, Seibold said he was confident in his forward stocks.