Tom Opacic’s return to Brisbane would be a spectacular end to his career.

Opacic is reportedly heading back to Australia – and a return to Brisbane would mean his career has come full circle

Hull Kingston Rovers’ Tom Opacic heading back to Brisbane would be a fairytale way for his career to finish, with Australian sources indicating that he is returning to the country.

There had been talk of Super League clubs being interested in Opacic, who is confirmed as leaving Hull KR at the end of this season, but that does not appear on the cards. It is understood that the 29-year-old, who turns 30 on Saturday, favours a return to Brisbane Broncos. His ability and versatility have been on show this season, although Hull KR’s regular centres are Peta Hiku and Oliver Gildart, with Opacic scoring a try in Gildart’s absence on Friday in the 32-12 win over Salford Red Devils. Opacic’s last appearance before that was as a starting second rower in the narrow win away against Leeds Rhinos on July 20.

The Australian’s early release from his contract from Rovers, a year before it had previously been due to end, was announced by Hull KR on August 19, which was followed by the announcement on August 28 of Rhyse Martin as a Rovers player from 2025. Opacic, who coach Willie Peters knows is popular among Robins squad members, had joined Hull KR from Parramatta Eels, with his previous team before that being North Queensland Cowboys.

Brisbane was the club where it all started for him in NRL, debuting for them in 2016, and they are set to part ways with Tristan Sailor, heading for St Helens, and Corey Oates at the end of the season. St Helens confirmed on August 7 that Sailor – son of Wendell, who scored a try in Hull for Australia in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup – is heading to them on a two-year deal after this season, joining incoming assistant coach Lee Briers. Opacic suffered injury problems during that stint with Brisbane but Wayne Bennett, their coach at the time, rated him while the pair worked together.

According to Australia’s Daily Telegraph, Opacic could add depth to Brisbane’s ranks on a $130,00-plus deal. If he fails to secure an NRL deal, finishing his career in the Queensland Cup would be a positive outcome for him.