The Brisbane Broncos have emerged as shock contenders for the services of unwanted Eels enforcer Reagan Campbell-Gillard as the Dragons dropped out of the race.
Newscorp reported the Broncos have launched a bid to snare Campbell-Gillard after the Dragons confirmed the outgoing Eels prop would not be at their club in 2025.
Campbell-Gillard was widely tipped to join the Dragons who are in much need of reinforcements in their front row stocks.
But that deal was on the rocks on Monday night with the Dragons unwilling to offer a three-year deal to Campbell-Gillard.
That has opened the door for the Broncos, who are on the hunt for an experienced forward to provide some leadership and partner with star prop Payne Haas in 2025.
Campbell-Gillard is contracted to the Eels for 2025, but is unwanted by incoming coach Jason Ryles and has been given permission to seek a long-term deal elsewhere.
The 31-year-old has scored 22 tries in 221 games for the Panthers and Eels and has played three Origins for the Blues and nine Tests for the Kangaroos.
However, he will be 34 by the time his next contract comes to an end if he gets a three-year deal and is considered past his prime.
Still, he is a consistent performer and the Broncos are in desperate need of some experience and consistency in the middle after failing to adequately replace Tom Flegler from their 2023 Grand Final side.
The Broncos have also been linked with Storm veteran Christian Welch, but Brisbane coach Kevin Walters is understood to be interested in Campbell-Gillard.
The Broncos will discuss whether to make a formal offer for Campbell-Gillard at a meeting on Wednesday.
However, any offer to RCG depends on whether the Broncos can afford Campbell-Gillard under their salary cap.
The former representative star is currently on $775,000 this season, while it is believed his salary next year drops to around $650,000.
It remains to be seen if the Broncos can accommodate him or whether the Eels are willing to chip in a chunk for the final year of his Eels deal in 2025.
The Broncos still have one spot left on their 30-man full-time roster, putting RCG or Welch right in the frame for a switch to Brisbane to likely finish out their careers.
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