3 minute read

Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold says powerhouse forward David Fifita will be their priority NRL re-signing when he comes off contract next year.

He is not off contract until next season but David Fifita has no doubt ignited a bidding war after a powerhouse display in Brisbane's 22-20 loss to South Sydney.

The 19-year-old can't officially field offers from rival clubs until November 1 but has already been linked to Parramatta and the Warriors.

And the list of suitors will no doubt only grow after he earned praise from both coaches for his barnstorming effort that almost inspired a comeback Broncos victory in Friday night's pulsating clash with the Rabbitohs.

Someone had to stand up in the Broncos pack after they lost enforcer Tevita Pangai to a five week crusher-tackle ban.

And Fifita delivered in spades.

The Queensland State of Origin rookie terrorised the Rabbitohs, scoring two tries, running 136m and breaking an extraordinary 11 tackles to help Brisbane fight back from a 22-8 deficit before the hosts fell short in a thriller.

There was already speculation the teenager could command a $700,000 a season salary on NRL's open market.

But Fifita may yet have boosted his price tag with his heroics on Friday night - not that Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold had to be told.

"We see him as a priority, of course we do," Seibold said of re-signing Fifita.

"He has been with the Broncos since he has been a kid so of course we want to keep him but he has a year to go on his contract.

"But yeah he was really good (against South Sydney), a lot of tackle breaks, he ran with real intent.

"He gave the Bunnies' right hand side a fair bit of grief."

Even South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett gushed over the Broncos youngster after his 67th minute try sparked a fightback from the hosts that ultimately fell short.

Even better was his 44th minute opening four pointer.

Fifita combined brute strength and nimble footwork to bust through four defenders and run 30m to crash over.

"His (first half) try was pretty outstanding," Bennett said.

"He is a wonderful forward. That was a great try he scored - only good players can do that.

"He's a handful. He epitomises the future of the game to me.

"His behaviour on and off the field is outstanding. He's a wonderful athlete."