The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio expects player movement in the NRL to accelerate in the next few days following the conclusion of the Rugby League World Cup.
The Kangaroos capped off an excellent month with a comfortable 30-10 win over Samoa in the final at Old Trafford and players will begin to return to their clubs.
Riccio said that the Brisbane Broncos are one of the most notable clubs to start making big roster decisions.
“We’ll start to see (player movement) really ramp up now that the World Cup is over,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“A lot of administrations, player managers and key players were over at the World Cup and now that that’s over, it’ll start to move.
“Coming out of the Brisbane Broncos, Tesi Niu, the young talented fullback who can play a bit of centre as well, has been granted an early release.
“That is only if he can secure another contract at another club.
“Reece Walsh will almost certainly be the starting fullback for the Broncos next season and that puts a hurdle in front of Tesi Niu.
“Tesi has approached the Broncos for an early release and he can go that way if he can get another club.”
The Newcastle Knights are shaping as the likely destination for Niu given their desire for a fullback to replace Kalyn Ponga.
The Knights are keen to switch Ponga to five-eighth and after their failed attempt to lure Manly’s Reuben Garrick to Newcastle, Tesi Niu appears to be the perfect replacement.
“The Newcastle Knights (are the team) that I’m keeping an eye on,” Riccio added.
“They have been circling a number of different fullbacks and Tesi’s name has come up at the Knights.
“They clearly want to move Kalyn Ponga to five-eighth.
“Keep an eye on it and see what Tesi Niu does.”
Niu has played 32 matches for the Broncos since his debut in 2020.