Palasia sticks with Brisbane ahead of more cash from Sea Eagles

BRONCOS enforcer Keenan Palasia has revealed how Brisbane’s loyalty during careerthreatening operations convinced him to reject a $1 million offer from his Magic Round opponents Manly.

Palasia’s extraordinary $800,000 financial sacrifice will be laid bare in Friday night’s Magic Round clash when the Broncos forward runs on to Suncorp Stadium to confront the Manly club that tried to poach him.

If the Sea Eagles had their way, Palasia would be in a different shade of maroon.

In pre-season, Manly recruitment chiefs, impressed with Palasia’s raw-boned toughness, tabled a seemingly irresistible offer: a four-year, $250,000-a-season deal that would make the 25-year-old an instant millionaire.

But with a life-changing package on the table, Palasia stunned the Sea Eagles by doubling down on his commitment to the Broncos. He signed a one-year extension worth $200,000, a show of gratitude to the Broncos for sticking by him in the most harrowing period of his career.

In recent years, Palasia has undergone five operations, including two knee reconstructions that could have easily destroyed his NRL ambitions if not for the faith of the Broncos.

So when the Sea Eagles came calling with the biggest pay day of his career, Palasia believed there was only one choice he could make.

“I stayed loyal because the Broncos stayed loyal to me through all of these injuries,” he said as the Broncos chase a fourth consecutive win this week against Manly.

“I think it would have been a bad reflection on my character to turn my back on the club after they stayed on board with me and were loyal to me for all these years.

“I am pretty proud of myself for showing some resilience (during his struggle with injuries).

“I am grateful to ‘Kevvie’ (Walters, Broncos coach) and the club for showing faith in me through all those injuries and keeping me on board.’’