Broncos want Petero back

[Steve]

Behind-the-scenes talks are underway for Petero Civoniceva to return to the Brisbane Broncos, less than two years after he left Red Hill amid a bitter fall-out of botched contract negotiations.

Civoniceva is in the second year of a two-year deal with the Panthers and has an option for a third.

But brisbanetimes.com.au understands the Broncos are actively smoothing the way for the Test and Maroons prop to don Brisbane colours in 2010 on a one-year-deal, with the possibility of an option for a second.

Any such move could be at the expense of talented but underperforming young prop David Taylor, who former Bronco Gordon Tallis, now the forwards coach at South Sydney, is keen to lure to the Rabbitohs.

The 32-year-old Panthers captain said last year he would be interested in finishing his career at the club where he was part of three premierships, although animosity with former coach Wayne Bennett was always going to be a sticking point.

The pair fell out over an alleged promised pay day when fellow prop Shane Webcke departed. Civoniceva says the money never materialised and he was subsequently squeezed out after apparent salary cap pressures at the end of 2007, angering fans and fellow players.

Now with the decks cleared and former assistant Ivan Henjak in charge - a man who Civoniceva holds in high regard - fresh moves have begun to woo the Fijian yard machine back to where his illustrious career began.

Civoniceva has kept his house in the Brisbane bayside suburb of Scarborough and has always made it clear he would return to Brisbane to raise his young family when his footballing days were over.

His manager, David Phillips, said he was unaware of any discussions having taken place.

The brute force with which he plays the game and the maturity and leadership he brings to a club would be a welcome addition to a young Brisbane side with a forward pack still with much to prove.

http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news...447173700.html

[Steve]

Are they going to play the loyalty card after playing the business card to tell him to bugger off?

Anyone could have told them letting him go was a mistake, and now they realise it. Although from the article it sounds like it was Bennett who didn't want him.

[titanstattman]

Are they going to play the loyalty card after playing the business card to tell him to bugger off?

Anyone could have told them letting him go was a mistake, and now they realise it. Although from the article it sounds like it was Bennett who didn't want him.

Like who didnt see this comming thats wat u get donkeys

[espltd301]

I hope Petero plays the broncos if they are hunting him. They should have never let him go, but as Steve said it looks like it was only Bennett who didn't want him there. But I really don't think they got the coin. To many younger players are off or coming off contract to make a decent play for him. Anyway go the Titans!!!!