How Broncos helped keep Broughton in NRLW amid sevens return

NRLW star Gayle Broughton admits the temptation of playing at a third Olympic Games had her set to return to rugby sevens this year before the Broncos swooped in for her signature. 

Broughton's switch from sevens to rugby league in 2022 was among the highlights of the NRLW season with the gold and silver medal winner helping the Eels to the decider on grand final day last year.

The chance to return to the Black Ferns set-up for a potential Olympic Games in Paris, however, was brought up as a possibility at the end of last season until the Broncos met with the Māori All Stars representative.

"It's true that I was thinking about going back to rugby," Broughton told NRL.com.

"With the Olympics next year the temptation for wanting a third Olympic medal was in my sight. I’m so close to those girls but I had to put into perspective around what I wanted after that.

"Yes, a third medal would've been great but would I be able to transition from league back to sevens? I think I could’ve but I’m trying to be realistic.

"I’m trying to build something here and didn’t want to leave and then come back again, because I feel like I'm only scratching the surface in league and have really picked it up now.

"Stability is my main thing at the moment and there's no better place to be than the NRLW and with the Broncos for two years. It’s just amazing they have multi-year deals on offer now.

"It helps girls know where they’re going to be so they're not having to worry each year."

The Eels tried their best to hold onto Broughton, who even declared last year she wanted to remain at Parramatta and win a premiership.

But ultimately in the end it came down to her and her partner Tahlia Lawrence wanting to be closer to family in Brisbane and opt for a fresh start in a different state.

"I had to weigh it all up and usually through my whole footy career I’ve made decisions that benefit myself personally but this time I really wanted to make moves with her career as well," Broughton said.

"It was gut-wrenching for me because playing alongside the likes of the Cherrington sisters, Tayla Preston and Abbi Church, it was like sevens all over again with how close we all are.

"But Brisbane was the perfect fit. We wanted a new place, we wanted to see new things and try new things. I’m grateful for the Broncos helping us with relocation."

Another drawcard for Broughton was the ability to work with Broncos captain Ali Brigginshaw and new coach Scott Prince with the Māori All Stars representative set for a move to five-eighth in 2023.

"The footy side of things with Scott Prince, he was an amazing footy player and the first chat we had it felt like you could talk to him about anything," Broughton said.

"Everything fell into place from there and I’m a massive fan of Ali Brigginshaw, in my eyes she’s the goat (greatest of all time) so that was a big move to be under her wing and learn from her.

"When I went up there I managed to catch up with Ali and her partner Kate and they met my partner and it all just felt right."

Broughton withdrew from last year's World Cup as a sign of respect after only a year in rugby league but watched on and was excited by the sight of another new Broncos signing, Kiwi Ferns centre Mele Hufanga. 

Although the pair never crossed paths in rugby union while in New Zealand, Broughton looks set to play alongside Hufanga at the Broncos and believes the club can get the best out of her.

"I’ve known a bit about her but never met or played with her. I've always been a fan of her work and at the World Cup she was just a tank," Broughton said.

"I’m thankful she’s on my team and hopefully we can work really well together and get the best out of each other."