Back-rower Jaydn Su’A says he is on track to re-sign with Brisbane as he targets holding down a starting position long-term to play alongside a suite of the best young forwards seen at the club.
The 20-year-old is off contract at the end of the season and his management has received interest from other NRL clubs. But the Broncos are determined not to let him leave after watching his development skyrocket in what has been a breakout season.
Su’A, who has been likened to Ben Te’o and a young Sonny Bill Williams for his punishing defence and powerful running game, took note when fellow free agent Jamayne Isaako said last week his aim was to be a Bronco for life.
"That is every kid’s dream to be a one-club player. That is what he wants to do and that is what I want to do," Su’A said.
"At the end of the day it is about where the best opportunity is and the best spot is to fulfil your potential. I want to stay here, if it is up to me."
Su’A is on track to get his wish and the stars have aligned for the Broncos' aspirations and his own to coincide.
The New Zealand-born forward has solidified himself as a starting back-rower each week.
Matt Gillett’s neck injury gave Su’A his opportunity and he's been in the run-on side the last nine games, with the Broncos winning seven.
Brisbane's pitch to Su'A is he is also in their plans as a starting forward.
"I forget about it until people remind me about it," he said of his contractual situation. "It does play in the back of your head every now and then. I want to get it sorted out.
"I've been starting lately. Obviously Gillo has got to come back at some point but if I can keep doing my role and developing as a person and a player I don't see why I can't start. It is something I want to take on next year."
Gillett has been on the sidelines but Su'A said he had studied his fellow back-rower’s game and picked his brain.
"He tips me up all the time.
"Defensively I think sometimes I struggle under fatigue with my defensive movements and obviously you can’t look past Gillo when it comes to that stuff.
"I watch the way he moves and try and implement that into my game."
Wayne Bennett said recently the young pack was the best he had seen at the club as a group coming through at the same time.
Remaining a part of that new generation, which includes Tevita Pangai jnr and Joe Ofahengaue, into the future excites Su'A.
"We've still got Payne Haas and David Fifita so there is something special coming. You can see what Joe and Tevita have been doing this year and I want to be a part of that," he said.
Su'A, who moved to Queensland in his youth from New Zealand, was thrilled to be called into the Maroons camp before game one.
He is set to start against the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday despite having a partial tear in the arch of his foot.
Su'A has been able to play through the pain, while having a modified training schedule for Brisbane during the week.