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Skipper Justin Hodges has launched a passionate plea for Brisbane to re-sign Sam Thaiday amid speculation the benched back-rower is playing for his future at the NRL club.
NSW forward Beau Scott has been linked to the Broncos after a report claiming ex-skipper Thaiday has until the end of April to show he is worthy of a contract extension.
Thaiday, 29, has been relegated to the bench by coach Wayne Bennett after showing up to pre-season training overweight and an underwhelming round-one display.
Contract talks have reportedly been put on hold until the end of next month so the Broncos can gauge Thaiday’s form.
Brisbane great Gorden Tallis added to the intrigue surrounding 12-year Broncos veteran Thaiday, saying he wouldn’t be surprised to see Bennett favourite Scott arrive at the club next year.
But Tallis also slammed the Broncos on Triple M radio on Monday, saying it was embarrassing that they had aired Thaiday’s “dirty laundry” by leaking the news that the 200-plus game stalwart was on a six-week trial.
Hodges stood up for his besieged teammate on Tuesday, saying he would pick Thaiday over Scott “every day of the week”.
“The club has got to do everything they can to keep him,” he said.
“Over 10 years, he has been one of our best players every week.
“I am sure a deal will get done. You need a Sam Thaiday in your team.”
Hodges did not know what to make of the Scott speculation.
“He’s a great player; he gets under everyone’s skin; he does that quite well,” he said.
“He’s a quality player you’d love to have in your side.
“But if I had a choice over him or Sam, I would pick Sam every day of the week.”
Asked how much longer he could play, Thaiday said: “Another four years, easy.
“None of this talk is coming from us. I think it is a bit of a beat up.
“I don’t read the paper; I stay away from watching the news – I just continue doing my job.”
When told of Tallis’ passionate defence of him, Thaiday said: “That’s what mates do – they stick up for mates.”
Thaiday claimed he had not wondered how his Broncos bench role would affect his Queensland State of Origin and Test prospects.
“It (bench) is the role I have to play for the team,” he said.
“In the end, footy is what is going to get me a deal so I am not too worried about it at all.”
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