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New Brisbane CEO Dave Donaghy will use his experience overseeing Melbourne's transition from the 'big three' era as he begins restoring the Broncos' NRL pride.
Brisbane chief executive Dave Donaghy believes his experience transitioning Melbourne successfully out of the 'big three' era will prove invaluable as he starts rebuilding the once-mighty Broncos.
Donaghy is three days into his role at Red Hill, having joined the NRL wooden spooners from the premiers.
Appointed Storm CEO in 2015 aged just 32, Donaghy was at the helm as the club dealt with the departure of Cooper Cronk and retirements of club legends Billy Slater and Cameron Smith.
Despite those high-profile exits, Melbourne have maintained their status as a powerhouse in the competition and won last year's premiership with a team boasting the next generation of talents such as Cameron Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen.
In stark contrast the Broncos slipped to their worst finish last year and Donaghy is arriving at a club that is still crippled by a litany of poor recruiting and contract decisions.
Highlighting Brisbane's recruitment woes, while they struggle to find a long-term halves pairing, former Broncos youth products Sam Walker and Reece Walsh have played starring roles in recent weeks at the Sydney Roosters and the Warriors respectively.
Donaghy said sorting out the club's roster issues would be one of his immediate challenges.
"We're investing a lot in developing and nurturing Queensland players," Donaghy said.
"I referred to a plan before, that's where it needs to marry up.
"My intent is to come in and work with the recruitment and retention team.
"I do have experience in that space.
"I've got a firm grasp on the salary cap. I understand how roster management works."
Donaghy played down reports he would be aiming to bring former coach Wayne Bennett back to the club as a football director above head coach Kevin Walters.
He said his intention is more to provide Walters with whatever resources he required to succeed.
Part of that plan is expected to be a big-money offer to South Sydney captain Adam Reynolds and while Donaghy refused to talk specifics he said it was patently obvious experience and leadership were two key attributes the Broncos squad lacked at the moment.
"If we can identify players that we think will add value to the team, will almost play the role of an on-field coach, then we'll be talking to them," he said.
"We're in the market for experienced halves.
"I've come in with my eyes wide open, and with an open mind.
"It's about getting the feet under the desk, understanding what's taken place.
"Where our cap's at, where we've got the flexibility in our cap to invest in improving our squad and committing to a plan."
