In a bid to lessen the congestion surrounding their fullback position the Brisbane Broncos are believed to have given Tesi Niu permission to leave the club.

This decision has come as a shock to many as Niu played in the number one on all ten occasions he appeared for the Broncos in 2022.

He would have played more for the club if not for a grade three hamstring strain that ruled Niu out for nearly three months.

Brisbane’s call to part ways with Niu seems to have had a ripple effect throughout the squad as The Courier Mail’s Peter Badel is reporting that Broncos second-rower Keenan Palasia has requested his release.

“Keenan Palasia has shocked Brisbane by informing coach Kevin Walters of his plans to quit the Broncos as several NRL rivals, including the Titans, circle the Samoa Test forward,” said Badel.

“News Corp can reveal Palasia is the second NRL top-liner looking to leave the Broncos, following in the footsteps of fullback Tesi Niu, who has been given permission to negotiate with rival clubs.

LATEST CONTRACT NEWS AT BRONCOS: Keenan Palasia requests release from Brisbane Broncos | The Courier Mail https://t.co/vbBXU7BaeP

— Pete Badel (@badel_cmail) November 25, 2022

“But while Niu is free to leave, Broncos bosses are standing firm on Palasia, with Walters telling the promising utility forward he is a key part of Brisbane’s plans for the 2023 season.”

Palasia became a consistent first-grade player for the Broncos last season making 14 appearances off the bench and eight starting.

Losing him would cause a huge blow to Brisbane’s depth in the forwards and would force the club to put 20-year-old Brendan Piakura in Palasia’s role coming off the bench.

In his article Badel went on to report that Palasia has been in talks with the Gold Coast Titans about a move to the club in 2024, alluding to the fact that they would be the favourites to sign him if he were to be released by the Broncos.

The Titans holding talks with Palasia suggests that they may be looking to let their $1.25 million second rower David Fifita leave at the end of next season with the 25-year-old coming in to take his place alongside breakout player Beau Fermor who recently re-signed with the club until the end of 2026.