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A recruitment double blow has finally lit the fuse between Brisbane and their new cross-town NRL rivals the Dolphins, one week before the club’s first game.
Tom Flegler will join Broncos teammate Herbie Farnworth at Redcliffe next NRL season after the Tully prop’s four-year deal at the Dolphins from 2024 was confirmed on Sunday.
The State of Origin forward’s signing comes despite interest from Sydney clubs and just two days after in-demand centre Farnworth’s signature was trumpeted by the Dolphins.
The 23-year-old Flegler has played 74 NRL games since his 2019 debut and played a solitary Origin in 2021, despite constant suspensions stemming from his aggressive style of play.
The Dolphins’ shot across the Broncos’ bows follows an off-season of recruitment swings and misses from the new club and coach Wayne Bennett.
Bennett missed key target Cameron Munster, with half Sean O’Sullivan likely to partner 19-year-old Isaiya Katoa in round one against the Sydney Roosters on Sunday.
Emerging prop Tom Gilbert and the experienced front-row core of Jesse and Kenny Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi, Jarrod Wallace and Mark Nicholls will carry the load this year.
“The Dolphins have always said that our recruitment strategy was about building a club with a strong future, rather than just for season 2023,” Dolphins boss Terry Reader said.
“The signature of Tom and Herbie Farnworth are great examples of that strategy at work.
“We are very excited about what these two players can add to the squad we have already assembled.”
© AAP
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