Brisbane Broncos line up replacements as Israel Folau prepares to leave
NRL
Steve Ricketts From
The Courier-Mail May 08, 2010
Israel Folau at Brisbane Broncos training at Red Hill. Picture: David Kapernick Source: The Courier-Mail
THE Broncos have compiled a hit list of centres and wingers in the event of Test star Israel Folau jumping ship to rugby union or the AFL.
The Broncos still hold out hope Folau will remain at the club to help steer their promising youngsters into a bold new era.
But they are not letting the grass grow under their feet.
Brisbane are believed to have all but finalised deals with Test props Ben Hannant (Bulldogs) and Petero Civoniceva (Penrith) to return home, and they will have enough money left under the salary cap to also buy a quality outside back.
New Broncos general manager of football operations, Andrew Gee, said yesterday he had no idea which way Folau would jump, but the club was prepared either way.
"We have a contingency plan in place," he said.
"That is always the case when we know a player could leave.
"I'm not at liberty to say what our options are but whichever way we go it will not affect what we might do in regards to our forward strength."
The Broncos could look at making an offer to New Zealand Warriors centre Brent Tate to return home or wait for the fallout from the Melbourne Storm salary cap drama, which could see Test star Greg Inglis become available.
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