Up to 10 NRL clubs are said to be queuing up for David Fifita’s signature but Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold insists they will retain the in-demand Queensland State of Origin back-rower.
Fifita is not off contract until next year, but he looks set to become the NRL’s hottest property when rivals are allowed to negotiate with the 19-year-old powerhouse after November 1.
Brisbane’s Friday night opponent Parramatta are expected to lead the charge from the clubs believed to be ready to dangle a reported $4 million, four-year deal in front of the teenager.
However, Seibold is quietly confident a meeting with Fifita’s management on Wednesday will quickly end the debate over the young X-factor’s future.
“The chairman of football (Peter Nolan) is meeting with his manager next Wednesday,” he said.
“And David has indicated to me that he wants to stay.
“He is a player that we won’t lose. He will be a Bronco, we believe.
“We understand that there will be a great deal of interest in him from other clubs but … we have money for David.
“We won’t have to worry about letting players go or not having enough money to keep him.”
Fifita gave a not-so-subtle reminder of his value with a stunning two-try performance in Brisbane’s last round 22-20 loss to South Sydney, along with 15 tackle busts.
Seibold says he is also hopeful of retaining Alex Glenn after revealing they had offered a two-year deal to the veteran.
Glenn, a veteran of 256 games for Brisbane, has been impressive since the 31-year-old was asked to switch from the back-row to the centres this year.
“That is about keeping some leadership with these young guys,” Seibold said of offering Glenn a new deal.
“We can’t just go with young guys. We need experience around them.”
Eighth-placed Brisbane will again look to Fifita and Glenn when they attempt to keep their finals hopes on track against the Eels on Friday night.
A loss to the sixth-placed Eels could drop the Broncos as low as 10th, ensuring they would need to defeat Canterbury in the final round and rely on other results to book a play-off spot.