Brisbane have signed NRL premiership-winning forward John Asiata on a one-year deal.
The 27-year-old is the second signing for new Broncos coach Kevin Walters as he aims to rebuild a roster that finished last in the 2020 season following Dale Copley’s return to Red Hill last month.
Asiata played 128 games for North Queensland from 2014 and was part of the Cowboys’ 2015 grand final triumph over the Broncos.
A versatile player who has represented Samoa and Tonga at Test level, Asiata was targeted by the Broncos as much for his off-field values as his on-field talent according to chief executive Paul White.
“John brings experience, some grunt and a heap of skill on the football field – he has been a player in demand,” White said.
“He will add plenty to the Broncos on the field and just as much in the locker room and around the club.”
While Asiata and Copley have joined the Broncos since Walters’ arrival, there has also been a clear-out at Red Hill with Jack Bird (St George Illawarra), David Fifita (Gold Coast) and Joe Ofahengaue (Wests Tigers) among ten departures.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Really disappointed the Cowbies let him go, I can't recall too many capable of playing half and prop at the top level and doing it with panache. Good luck to the big unit.
Nat
Roar Rookie
You know Glenn will be one. I would prefer Riki, not sure coach does from an overall experience stand point. Aside from the other rookie, Palasia, there's not much backrow depth and perhaps why Oates in training there. I reckon Kevvie might be in the market to fill this position. Since he's building a 2014 team, I wonder if Te'o is still available?
matth
Roar Guru
I assume that’s Copley for now
matth
Roar Guru
Who are your starting edge forwards?
Rob
Guest
Asiata is a good pickup for the Broncos young pack. Loads of ball playing skill in Asiata which will take some pressure of the young halves and also injected a point of difference to the Hass, Lodge, Flegler and Carrigan ball carrying. His skill and football IQ was poorly utilised at the Cowboys for much of the time.
Rellum
Roar Guru
I think we are still paying for Offa and definitely Bird. Fifita wasn't on a great deal so we haven't freed up that much. But I think it is more that we have many players still under contract until 2022 so we can't sign anyone really. I would like us to at least look for a decent centre with some of Boyd's money.
Tony
Roar Guru
Dead man walking
Nat
Roar Rookie
Could be saving something for Smith. Either one.
Emcie
Roar Guru
surely enough of the cap's been freed to make some more permanent acquisitions by now- Bird, Boyd, Joe O, Fifita got a fair chunk between them
thomas c
Guest
If TPJ plays edge and Carrigan plays 13, then you the props on contract are Haas, Lodge, Flegler, Kennedy, Bullemor and Asiata. Kenny only played 10ish minutes and Bullemor only has a few games (I think he was on a development contract). If they're trying to manage Haas' workload, I think they're probably putting 2 props on the bench. So if Asiata is better (or more in favor) than 2 of the other props OR there's an injury, I think he'd get some games. Last year, they were so desperate for props, they were forced to stick Teo at prop a couple weeks.
Rellum
Roar Guru
I dont want to know either.
Rellum
Roar Guru
I assume he is a fill in until other players can be brought next year when current players contracts run out. Or he fires.
Emcie
Roar Guru
No chance mate, he'll get given every excuse under the sun. The old boys have been pushing for him as coach since 2014 and I'm sure his media mates can drag out blaming Siebold for at least another 12 months
Emcie
Roar Guru
Did we end up getting Mead? Actually, I dunno if I want to know
Emcie
Roar Guru
You don't normally rebuild a team on one year deals
Phil
Roar Rookie
I agree with you HY. It's not like the Broncos to go for journeymen and lesser lights, but, considering their current position, wooden spooners, not many top liners would want to go there.
Joel DW
Roar Rookie
A very loyal servant. Played a role off the bench throughout our premiership campaign. Was a key player in our 2017 finals series and played with a broken hand. That's the type of guy that he is. Very versatile, ball-player who'd play pretty much anywhere if he was asked. This is probably the type of player and clubman that the Broncos need and the example on and off the field for young forwards like Carrigan, Palasia and Riki. Guys like Piakura and Willison too. Kept Jason Taumalolo on the straight and narrow, made sure he was turning up on time to things. Broncos should make it mandatory for TPJ to spend time with him a few times a week. Probably the character the Broncos need atm. Look after him Broncos, you'll love him.
Rellum
Roar Guru
They are going for cheap options to rebuild the squad under the cap restrictions
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
He’s been a ‘gunna’ for many years now. I reckon it’s as if the Broncos are bobbing around in the sea, and they’re clutching for a plank in the shipwreck. I think the one year deal proclaims their level of confidence.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Very good point. Time stands still for no man.