Don’t be surprised if departing Broncos assistant Ben Te’o ends up on the Gold Coast.
Titans head coach Josh Hannay is a big fan of Te’o, who was signed until the end of 2028 as Brisbane’s defensive coach, and he actually tried to sign him up this season.
His exit from Red Hill is a clear sign that despite the excellent last-up win over the Storm, all is not well at the Broncos.
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Ben Te’o. Getty
Normally when there is a disagreement between officials and they sit down at the table, they sort it out – especially at a professional club like the Broncos.
The fact they couldn’t resolve things and Te’o still walked out is a sign of murky waters around the Broncos since last year’s memorable premiership triumph.
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PERRETT’S ROLE IN MANLY LAWSUIT
Former Manly forward Lloyd Perrett has offered to testify as a witness in the lawsuit of the family of Keith Titmuss against the Sea Eagles.
Titmuss died in November 2020 after collapsing during a Manly pre-season training session due to exertional heat stroke, with his relatives recently launching a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the club.
Keith Titmuss. Twitter
Perrett almost died as well, collapsing from a heat stress-induced seizure three years earlier at a Manly session.
He was in a comatose state for two days and his football career was effectively ended.
Perrett launched Supreme Court action himself against the club but has offered to help the Titmuss family in their case.
A 2024 coronial inquest on Titmuss’ death found the session was “more likely than not inappropriate” and contributed to his death.
“One life lost is one too many for any family and the rugby league family is no exception,” Perrett told Wide World of Sports.
“There’s nothing in the world that can give back what’s been lost.
Lloyd Perrett. Getty
“Unfortunately in these situations it makes our game look horrible but on the other side of accountability will be improved safety standards, which is better for the games athletes, coaches, administrators and the fans.
“All of which love rugby league and are hopefully on the same team that we’d love our game to get better and stronger.
“Hopefully one day the NRL can rival other powerful sports organisations like the NFL and NBA and I think fixing the mistakes and oversights along the way is what will get us there. Anywhere we can make improvements as a game, we need to do it.”
Wide World of Sports contacted Manly for comment.
It should be pointed out that none of the training staff at the time of the Perrett and Titmuss incidents are still employed by the club.
BEARS TARGETING YOUNG DOGS FLYER
Jonathan Sua in action during the trials. Getty
Promising young Bulldogs winger Jonathan Sua is the latest target of the Perth Bears.
Sua has played one NRL game for the Dogs in 2024 but is a prolific try scorer in the lower grades.
Tall and athletic, he easily elevated to the club’s top 30 squad over the summer and is expected to play first grade at some stage this season.
But the 21-year-old is coming off contract at the end of the year and has attracted the eye of Bears coach Mal Meninga.
“Perth have shown interest in him so Jonathan has some decisions to make,” his manager Gavin Orr told Wide World of Sports.
KNIGHTS VETERAN KEEN TO PUSH ON
Dane Gagai. Getty
Dane Gagai turned 35 recently and has no contract for 2027 but is keen to bat on for at least another season next year.
The veteran centre was among the Knights’ best players in a disappointing season for the club last year and looked sharp in the opening three rounds.
The former Test and Queensland State of Origin centre has always looked after his body and in the current era, many players are going into their mid 30s with the aid of sports science.
Gagai has plenty going for him in his bid to keep on going – but may have to make the move from Newcastle to a rival NRL team to achieve his goal.