Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters has delivered a strong warning to rival clubs circling some of the big off-contract names at Red Hill.
Brisbane’s opponent this week – the Gold Coast Titans – have been linked to Broncos trio Xavier Coates, Kotoni Staggs and Tom Dearden.
The North Queensland Cowboys have also ramped up their pursuit of Dearden after he was left out of Brisbane’s first-grade side last week.
The Warriors confirmed the signing of rising Broncos fullback Reece Walsh on Thursday but there are plenty of other headaches for Walters.
He is adamant though that the club is heading in the right direction when it comes to retaining their rising talent and takes the interest as a compliment.
“Yeah we certainly are (confident),” he told reporters on Thursday.
“We’ve got plans around maintaining all those players here in the Broncos jersey and at this stage nothing suggests that’s not going to happen from my end.
“They’re all good players and it’s nice to know other clubs are interested in our players for a team that is meant to run last.
“Every club tries to pick your best players. We do the same to other clubs. It’s just nice knowing that other clubs actually want our players.”
Walters added that the club has enough cap space to retain their in-demand stars with centre Kotoni Staggs one of the biggest priorities.
Staggs is currently sidelined with an ACL tear suffered last season but was one of the club’s best in a dismal 2020 season.
Walters though sees enough reason to believe Staggs will stay put.
“He’s [Staggs] has been in our system for a long time now. Kotoni is a very loyal person, I get that but also I’m sure he can see the turnaround in a small time here at the club,” he said.
“Everyone is happy. We haven’t had a win yet but the wheels are turning for that win and I am sure it isn’t far away.”
Broncos players that will be off contract at the end of 2021 are Jesse Arthars. John Asiata, Xavier Coates, Dale Copley, Thomas Dearden, Tyson Gamble, Alex Glenn, Richie Kennar, David Mead, Anthony Milford, Tesi Niu, Corey Oates (PO), Keenan Palasia, Jordan Riki (has reportedly re-signed but not official), Kotoni Staggs (PO), Ben Te’o, and Jake Turpin (PO).