The Brisbane Broncos are reportedly preparing to release a player earning around $650,000 in order to free up the financial resources needed to lure David Fifita back to Red Hill.
A move like this underscores just how tight their salary cap situation has become after locking in multiple big-name re-signings.
Legend Andrew Johns weighed in, advising the Broncos to cap any new deal for Fifita at “five or six hundred thousand” per season — a nod to the complexity of matching lucrative outside offers while staying financially prudent.
A Fierce Race for Fifita’s Signature
The Broncos aren’t the only ones in the mix. Fifita is attracting interest from multiple rival clubs, including the Parramatta Eels, Rabbitohs, Bulldogs, and Warriors, though several have reportedly pulled out of negotiations.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Eels are believed to have offered Fifita a staggering $1 million per season deal, with a reported agreement reached for him to join Parramatta in 2026 — or perhaps even sooner if a release from his current club can be secured. This puts Brisbane in a precarious situation — they must offload a significant salary and craft a solid pitch if they hope to steal the star forward away.
What This Means for Brisbane
| Key Implication | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary-cap maneuvering | Letting go of a $650K player creates the breathing space needed to court Fifita. |
| Risk of losing Fifita | The Eels’ powerful offer could eclipse Brisbane’s salary capacity and lure Fifita away. |
| Strategic gamble | The Broncos’ play one final ace — but must deliver the right terms and vision to win him over. |
a breakdown of potential players who could be cut or a side-by-side comparison of whIf this deal unfolds, it would mark a major coup for Brisbane — but one with high stakes. Do you wantat the Broncos and Eels are bringing to the table in the Fifita chase?
