Brisbane Broncos clear Tesi Niu for switch to Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins
Brisbane Broncos flyer Tesi Niu looks set to join new NRL club the Dolphins. Photo: AAP
Tesi Niu will get his chance at new NRL franchise the Dolphins after Brisbane confirmed the backline talent’s immediate release.
As reported by AAP in December, Niu had been given permission by the Broncos to negotiate with other NRL clubs.
The delay in his release had been related to securing a new manager, which has now been done.
Niu’s move to the Dolphins is imminent and AAP has been told it will be announced once the paperwork has been completed.
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When asked about Niu’s impending arrival at the club, new Dolphins signing Jesse Bromwich played a straight bat while praising the 21-year-old.
“I know as an outsider looking in he looks like a real talent,” Bromwich said.
“He is really fast and agile and I am sure he would be a great addition to any club.”
Niu has been mentored by Dolphins assistant and Tonga coach Kristian Woolf, who gave him his international debut at halfback in 2019 for an invitational side that beat Great Britain 14-6.
The youngster played two games for Tonga at the recent World Cup.
He will create depth at the back for Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett, who has already signed former Broncos and Gold Coast No.1 Jamayne Isaako as well as North Queensland flyer Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
Niu scored 11 tries in 32 games for the Broncos, but was leapfrogged as the preferred No.1 by Te Maire Martin last year and had the returning Reece Walsh ahead of him looking forward to 2023.
“Tesi has been in the Broncos system for a number of years and is highly regarded across the club,” Brisbane coach Kevin Walters said.
“But we believe he will receive more opportunities elsewhere and it’s an indication of our respect for Tesi that we have allowed him to depart.
“We wish Tesi all the best in the next part of his journey.”
-AAP