http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...e/news-story/0e8ca4a761aac78658040b666cbe4e7b
BRISBANE coach Wayne Bennett has delivered the bullet to Herman Ese’ese’s career at the Broncos, ruthlessly pulling a new offer as the prop’s contract saga at Red Hill turns ugly.
The Courier-Mail can reveal Bennett has taken a hard line stance with Ese’ese, withdrawing a contract offer following revelations the 22-year-old is on the verge of signing a $1.4 million deal with Newcastle.
Ese’ese was named on the bench for Friday’s 42-12 loss to the Storm, only to be dropped on match eve, with Bennett adding Joe Ofahengaue to his interchange.
The hulking bookend — rated by Broncos teammate Benji Marshall among the best young props — is said to be shattered by the reality he will not be at Red Hill next season.
It is understood Ese’ese has not formally committed to the Knights and was still weighing up the prospect of staying at the Broncos if they could get closer to Newcastle’s offer.
But three weeks after tabling their offer, Bennett had had enough and pulled the deal, effectively clearing the path for Ese’ese to move.
Negotiations with other stars have dragged on longer, Anthony Milford’s $4 million deal took six months to finalise, but Brisbane could not improve their $275,000 offer.
The Kiwi Test hopeful has produced the best football of his career this season but his manager Simon Mammino yesterday confirmed Ese’ese will sever ties with the Broncos at season’s end.
“The Broncos have pulled the deal,” Mammino said.
“Herman honestly hadn’t made a final decision on his future … but after three weeks of the offer being on the table, it’s no longer an option.
“Herman has no choice now but to leave.
“Herman is in shock with what’s happened. Newcastle are definitely interested, but the Broncos have been good to Herman and we were hoping we might be able to come to a resolution.
“We haven’t agreed to terms as yet with Newcastle, but it looks like that’s where he will end up now.”
Ese’ese has impressed in 14 matches this season. Despite averaging only 36 minutes of action he has amassed 1477m at a mark of 105m a game — making him one of the most effective metre-eaters.
By going to Newcastle, Ese’ese can secure a regular starting spot in the front row, something the Broncos could not guarantee.
BRISBANE coach Wayne Bennett has delivered the bullet to Herman Ese’ese’s career at the Broncos, ruthlessly pulling a new offer as the prop’s contract saga at Red Hill turns ugly.
The Courier-Mail can reveal Bennett has taken a hard line stance with Ese’ese, withdrawing a contract offer following revelations the 22-year-old is on the verge of signing a $1.4 million deal with Newcastle.
Ese’ese was named on the bench for Friday’s 42-12 loss to the Storm, only to be dropped on match eve, with Bennett adding Joe Ofahengaue to his interchange.
The hulking bookend — rated by Broncos teammate Benji Marshall among the best young props — is said to be shattered by the reality he will not be at Red Hill next season.
It is understood Ese’ese has not formally committed to the Knights and was still weighing up the prospect of staying at the Broncos if they could get closer to Newcastle’s offer.
But three weeks after tabling their offer, Bennett had had enough and pulled the deal, effectively clearing the path for Ese’ese to move.
Negotiations with other stars have dragged on longer, Anthony Milford’s $4 million deal took six months to finalise, but Brisbane could not improve their $275,000 offer.
The Kiwi Test hopeful has produced the best football of his career this season but his manager Simon Mammino yesterday confirmed Ese’ese will sever ties with the Broncos at season’s end.
“The Broncos have pulled the deal,” Mammino said.
“Herman honestly hadn’t made a final decision on his future … but after three weeks of the offer being on the table, it’s no longer an option.
“Herman has no choice now but to leave.
“Herman is in shock with what’s happened. Newcastle are definitely interested, but the Broncos have been good to Herman and we were hoping we might be able to come to a resolution.
“We haven’t agreed to terms as yet with Newcastle, but it looks like that’s where he will end up now.”
Ese’ese has impressed in 14 matches this season. Despite averaging only 36 minutes of action he has amassed 1477m at a mark of 105m a game — making him one of the most effective metre-eaters.
By going to Newcastle, Ese’ese can secure a regular starting spot in the front row, something the Broncos could not guarantee.
