Hannant to broncos
Brisbane Broncos targeting Canterbury-Bankstown prop Ben Hannant
By Matt Marshall
March 13, 2010
Cashed-up Brisbane Broncos are targeting Canterbury-Bankstown and Australia prop Ben Hannant as the club's No.1 recruitment target.
It is believed Brisbane are set to launch a gigantic bid for the Bulldogs, Maroons and Kangaroos front-rower - a member of the Broncos' last premiership team in 2006.
Brisbane's bold poaching raid for their former charge comes after their brains trust determined the 25-year-old shapes as the NRL's premier long-term enforcer.
But Brisbane's desire to snare the 2009 Dally M prop of the year for 2011, faces a hefty challenge from the Dogs, given he is tied to the Sydney club until the end of next year.
Gold Coast Titans, who have a long-stated policy to "buy back the farm", could also make a play for the Burleigh junior.
Hannant shapes as a potential long-term replacement for ageing warhorse Luke Bailey and could force the local derby rivals into a bidding war.
Brisbane legend Petero Civoniceva, who this year is embarking upon his third season as Penrith captain since an acrimonious split with the Broncos, also remains on the club's radar.
But it is understood Civoniceva, who is off contract, would have to make a hefty financial sacrifice to finish his career where it began at Red Hill.
That is because the Broncos are unlikely to offer the 33-year-old his top market value, given he will turn 35 in April next year.
While Hannant is the key man on Brisbane's poaching agenda, the six-time premiers are desperate for a blue-ribbon prop in 2011.
So the club could be forced to look elsewhere if he opts not to seek, or is not granted, an early release at Belmore.
Hannant has two years to run on a three-year, $1 million-plus deal after joining the Dogs alongside fellow ex-Broncos David Stagg and Michael Ennis last year.
Hannant, who has twice been a part of Brisbane's system before and after his first stint with Sydney Roosters in 2005, enjoyed a stellar first season in blue and white in '09.
He underlined his billing as a Maroons' Origin mainstay and also earned his first four Test jumpers.
But with three young children to wife Emma, Gold Coast product Hannant has made no secret of his desire to one day return to south-east Queensland.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,26841975-5018866,00.html
