Flegler’s at home with the Broncos

NORTH Queensland product Tom Flegler is the one that got away, with the Broncos trumping the Cowboys for the front-row sensation rated the next Shane Webcke.

Flegler hails from Tully deep in Cowboys territory but thanks to the shrewd eye of Brisbane’s recruitment team, the 19-yearold will find himself in Broncos colours for tonight’s derby.

It will be Flegler’s first taste of the NRL’s greatest footballing rivalry following the selection bombshell that saw the boom prop handed his first-grade debut in last week’s 22-12 loss to the Storm in Melbourne.

The teenager’s manager Tas Bartlett recalled both the Cowboys and Broncos expressing interest in his services before Flegler backed himself to break into the NRL squad at Red Hill.

“The Cowboys were definitely interested in Tom,” Bartlett said. “It wasn’t so much a case of North Queensland not rating him, because they were aware of Tom’s ability.

“The Cowboys made a small offer and then the Broncos came into the picture as well.

“He’s always loved the Broncos and it was his ambition to wear their jumper.”