The Brisbane Broncos were once known for developing premiership-winning dynasties as they nurtured young talent from their junior system to first grade.

For a long time the Broncos had their pick of Queensland’s best talent and that eventually led to six premierships.

In recent years Brisbane have still managed to sign up some great young talent but have managed to lose many of them to rival clubs before they have hit their true potential.

One of their most promising juniors Karl Oloapu has recently spoken to Fox Sports and claimed he is seeking a release after the Broncos failed to fulfil multiple promises they had made him when he signed with the club.

“I just want a release and a chance to play football,” Oloapu said.

“I can promise you one thing: I will never play for Brisbane as long as I live.

“They have broken promises to me and left me broken-hearted.”

Broncos Chief Executive Officer David Donaghy then gave a brief response to Oloapu’s comments.

 
“Karl earlier this year signed a three-year contract with the Broncos and the club will not be releasing Karl from this contract,” said Donaghy.

While Donaghy’s stance is understandable it seems that it would be in the Broncos best interest to release Oloapu if he is so adamant about wanting his release that he is willing to speak about it publicly or discuss the possibility of fulfilling these supposed promises the club made him.

Brisbane have also been heavily criticised for their handling of Reece Walsh’s release to the New Zealand Warriors in 2021, although he has returned to the Broncos ahead of season 2023.

Oloapu’s manager Matt Adamson has revealed that the NRL are still investigating the matter after the Broncos claimed that the league and RLPA had found the club innocent.

“The NRL has told us it has made no decision yet, so we have no idea how the Broncos can say that,” Adamson said.

We are certain to hear more about this situation in the coming weeks as the NRL conducts their investigation and eventually determines which party is in the wrong.