NRL centre Brenko Lee to continue career in Super League after Dolphins release

Josh McAllister
Brenko Lee, Super League, NRL

Brenko Lee in action for the Dolphins against Canberra Raiders in Round 9. Photo by AAP Image/Lukas Coch.

Dolphins centre Brenko Lee is set to continue his career in Super League following his release from the NRL club, reports in Australia claim. 

Chief league writer for The Courier-Mail Pete Badel has this morning confirmed that Wayne Bennett has released the 27-year-old with a move to Super League for 2024 imminent. 

The former Queensland representative had previously been linked with Wigan Warriors earlier this season. However, Matt Peet looks to have completed his recruitment in that position for 2024 following the addition of Adam Keighran on a two-year deal from Catalans Dragons.

Highly-rated youngster Zach Eckersley may be given his first team shot again in the near future, while fellow centre Iain Thornley remains without a deal beyond the current campaign. There is an option in his contract for a third season.

Loanee Toby King will return to parent club Warrington ahead of the 2024 campaign.

Journalist Badel wrote on Twitter: “BREAKING: Brenko Lee’s turbulent NRL career is over.

“Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has released the former Queensland Origin centre immediately to continue his career in Super League.”

Brenko Lee to continue career in Super League

Lee had joined the Dolphins for their inaugural NRL season on a two-year deal, featuring 13 times in their debut campaign.

A Premiership winner with Melbourne Storm back in 2020, he has made 88 appearances in the competition Down Under to date, scoring 25 tries.

League Express previously reported that Catalans Dragons, Huddersfield Giants and Leeds Rhinos were interested in the one-time Tonga international

The future of Papua New Guinea international Nene Macdonald remains unclear, having been expected to return to England last week after being granted a leave of absence by Leeds Rhinos to attend the birth of his child.

It’s another unwanted recruitment headache for head coach Rohan Smith, who has already been busy in the player market to replace Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin for 2024.

Macdonald, 29, had recently signed a long-term deal at Headingley Stadium until the end of the 2027 season.

Catalans meanwhile will lose Australian utility Keighran at the end of 2023, while the future of Matt Ikuvalu remains unconfirmed. The former Sydney Roosters and Cronulla Sharks centre made the move from Australia earlier in April on a deal until the end of the season, with an option for 2024.

Huddersfield currently have Esan Marsters and Kevin Naiqama contracted for 2024.

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NRL Brenko Lee