Ben Te’o has answered an SOS from Brisbane, signing with the NRL club for the rest of the 2020 season.
Broncos coach Anthony Seibold was looking for reinforcements after hooker Jake Turpin (leg) joined some big names on the sidelines ahead of Thursday’s clash with Sydney Roosters.
Turpin is believed to have suffered a leg fracture and could be out for up to six weeks.
He joined captain Alex Glenn (lacerated leg), David Fifita (knee), Tevita Pangai (suspension) and Jack Bird (knee) on the sidelines.
Te’o, 33, has been linked to the Broncos since being spotted training in Brisbane after his Japanese Super Rugby club Sunwolves were sidelined in March due to the coronavirus.
Seibold reached out to former England rugby international Te’o – who last played NRL in 2014 – with the Sunwolves not involved in the Super Rugby relaunch in July.
Former Queensland State of Origin forward Te’o returns to Red Hill after playing 75 games for Brisbane from 2009-12.
Overall he played 152 NRL games, also featuring at West Tigers and South Sydney where he won a premiership in 2014 before making a code switch.
He played 16 Tests for England, twice for the British and Irish Lions and he also played one league Test for Samoa in 2008.
“It’s crazy how things work out but I’m just excited to get back playing rugby league and rip in with the boys and really work hard,” Te’o said in a statement.
“The club had a spot open and need some boys and I’m ready to come and help out and play my role for the Broncos.”
M20
Guest
Quade Cooper available as well? Broncos need all the help they can get
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
Interesting move. Really at this stage of his career, T'eo has nothing to lose. Not a bad move by a desperate club. Will watch with interest. Agree with The Barry re playing him in centres too.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
The 33 year old "Messiah". Did he sign a contract BEFORE last night's game? If so there may be a cooling off period. Needs to practice standing behind the goalposts as he will be watching Bronco's opponents regularly converting tries.
Watda
Guest
They could sign an excavator and still not get out of the hole they are in..
The Barry
Roar Guru
Depending on how he’s shaping up these days I’d think about playing him in the centres and getting rid of Boyd