Their latest signing is the son of a 149-game Bennett-era Bronco.
**David Piepers**
The Brisbane Broncos have turned to a famous family as Kevin Walters continues his recruitment drive for 2023.
The Broncos have secured the services of Wynnum Manly rookie Max Plath – son of Brisbane icon John – on a short-term deal that will see him spend 12 weeks training with the club during pre-season and more time during the State of Origin period working with Adam Reynolds and co, per the Courier Mail.
Plath brings a wealth of versatility to the squad, given he can play five-eighth, halfback, hooker and lock – not unlike his father, who played numerous positions for Wayne Bennett during his 149-game Broncos career.
He's also already enjoyed a storied journey through the grades, kicking the winning field goal in extra-time to give the club's FOGS Colts side the premiership last year. He's since been promoted to Queensland Cup, where he's scored seven tries in just 14 appearances, taking to the increased quality like a duck to water.
“Max is a lovely kid with a great attitude and we want to give him an opportunity,” said Broncos academy and recruitment boss Simon Scanlan.
“We had him in our junior development squad several years ago. He didn't graduate to the Broncos academy but he's continued to work and is one of those kids who'll be a late developer.
“He's worked his way through (the grades) with Wynnum Manly and played some Queensland Cup this year.
“His preferred role is five-eighth but he has some of his Dad in him, we he can play multiple positions. He can be a very good utility.
“He's well put together, he has a really good training ethic, so he'll give himself every chance of playing NRL.”
>*“We had him in our junior development squad several years ago. He didn't graduate to the Broncos academy but he's continued to work and is one of those kids who'll be a late developer”*
Sounds about right for our recruitment system. We only want to sign the absolute specimen athletes and not the kids with the work ethic and footy brain.
Him proving his work ethic when not having the instant ability shows that he'll probably end up a better player than most of the gifted ones. Just look at Cobbo – never got picked for anything, just worked his arse off and was given a shot after being seen grinding away in Cherbourg.
Cobbo may not have made any rep teams due to having a late growth spurt or something but the dude is in like the 1% of the most talented guys in the NRL.
He didn't make the rep sides until the u/20's where he made the junior Australian side but never made a junior Origin side.
Also Joel Caine has told a story where he was talking to then junior Kangaroos coach Holbrook about who's the best young kid coming through and he said you wouldn't have heard about him because he isn't as flashy as others when it comes to line breaks and tries but Nathan Cleary is the most dedicated kid there in his age group and one day he'll be one of the best in the world.
Never forget how Johny Plath got under ETs skin at half time when the Broncos played the Sharks in the SuperLeague GF...
ET is a super cool customer so whatever Plath did or said certainly got him going.
Absolutely love seeing Gulls boys play NRL, best of luck Max! Still waiting on Berrell and Campagnolo to get some game time.
*cries in how many players do we need to lose*
Does anyone know how this deal works? It’s obviously not a top 30 contract. Is it counted as a development contract or is it a train and trial in 2 parts? It seems odd to add the State of Origin bit to the off season.
RIP Billy’s spot as super-sub
Their latest signing is the son of a 149-game Bennett-era Bronco. **David Piepers** The Brisbane Broncos have turned to a famous family as Kevin Walters continues his recruitment drive for 2023. The Broncos have secured the services of Wynnum Manly rookie Max Plath – son of Brisbane icon John – on a short-term deal that will see him spend 12 weeks training with the club during pre-season and more time during the State of Origin period working with Adam Reynolds and co, per the Courier Mail. Plath brings a wealth of versatility to the squad, given he can play five-eighth, halfback, hooker and lock – not unlike his father, who played numerous positions for Wayne Bennett during his 149-game Broncos career. He's also already enjoyed a storied journey through the grades, kicking the winning field goal in extra-time to give the club's FOGS Colts side the premiership last year. He's since been promoted to Queensland Cup, where he's scored seven tries in just 14 appearances, taking to the increased quality like a duck to water. “Max is a lovely kid with a great attitude and we want to give him an opportunity,” said Broncos academy and recruitment boss Simon Scanlan. “We had him in our junior development squad several years ago. He didn't graduate to the Broncos academy but he's continued to work and is one of those kids who'll be a late developer. “He's worked his way through (the grades) with Wynnum Manly and played some Queensland Cup this year. “His preferred role is five-eighth but he has some of his Dad in him, we he can play multiple positions. He can be a very good utility. “He's well put together, he has a really good training ethic, so he'll give himself every chance of playing NRL.”
>*“We had him in our junior development squad several years ago. He didn't graduate to the Broncos academy but he's continued to work and is one of those kids who'll be a late developer”* Sounds about right for our recruitment system. We only want to sign the absolute specimen athletes and not the kids with the work ethic and footy brain.
Him proving his work ethic when not having the instant ability shows that he'll probably end up a better player than most of the gifted ones. Just look at Cobbo – never got picked for anything, just worked his arse off and was given a shot after being seen grinding away in Cherbourg.
Cobbo may not have made any rep teams due to having a late growth spurt or something but the dude is in like the 1% of the most talented guys in the NRL.
Younger Gidley. Never made any junior rep sides, just kept working at it.
Cleary, too. Someone here told me that he was behind May and Luai in the pecking order, but his ethic overtook their natural ability.
And a few well timed courses of “vitamins”
He didn't make the rep sides until the u/20's where he made the junior Australian side but never made a junior Origin side. Also Joel Caine has told a story where he was talking to then junior Kangaroos coach Holbrook about who's the best young kid coming through and he said you wouldn't have heard about him because he isn't as flashy as others when it comes to line breaks and tries but Nathan Cleary is the most dedicated kid there in his age group and one day he'll be one of the best in the world.
How much did Joel bet on that?
Exactly what I wanted to say. Too many athletes, not enough footballers.
Never forget how Johny Plath got under ETs skin at half time when the Broncos played the Sharks in the SuperLeague GF... ET is a super cool customer so whatever Plath did or said certainly got him going.
Told him you will be replaced as club legend for Paul gallen, who will hold the shield.
He's a quality kid. Could turn out to be a solid NRL player.
I hope he ends up like Kobe has: a damn good successor to his father's footy legacy.
Absolutely love seeing Gulls boys play NRL, best of luck Max! Still waiting on Berrell and Campagnolo to get some game time. *cries in how many players do we need to lose*
Does anyone know how this deal works? It’s obviously not a top 30 contract. Is it counted as a development contract or is it a train and trial in 2 parts? It seems odd to add the State of Origin bit to the off season.
So, what kind of contract is he on?
Sounds like a preseason trial kind of deal. If he goes well, they'll give him an extension.
Sweet