Brisbane import to emulate Graham, Burgess

Nov 10, 2017 - 6:52 AM Three years after first being approached by Brisbane, British forward Andre Savelio has finally run out in Broncos colours.

Now the 22-year-old Warrington recruit wants to make up for lost time by emulating the likes of fellow Brits James Graham and Sam Burgess next season.

The seed was first planted when the Broncos tried to lure Savelio into their under-20s ranks in 2014.

He opted to cut his teeth in the UK Super League, helping Warrington avoid relegation with two tries in their 46-24 win over Hull Kingston Rovers in September.

After four Super League seasons, Savelio said he now wanted to show he could cut it with what he believed was the world's best in the NRL.

At 188cm and 110kg, Savelio has earned comparisons with Sonny Bill Williams.

But Savelio wanted to emulate different NRL stars for Brisbane in 2018 - British success stories Graham and Burgess.

"That is the dream, to come over here and hopefully be as successful as them," Savelio said.

"You look at the English forwards that have come over here and they have gone quite well.

"I wouldn't have come here if I didn't think I could play.

"That is the hope, to train hard and hopefully Wayne (Bennett) can see that and I get the chance.

"Everyone says this is the best competition in the world, and it definitely is."

Savelio's arrival on a two-year deal has bolstered Brisbane's forward stocks which lost Kiwi international Adam Blair, Herman Ese'ese and Francis Molo in the off-season.

Brisbane's pre-season return this week has also featured Queensland coach Kevin Walters back as Bennett's assistant and controversial recruit Matt Lodge.

Former NRL bad boy Lodge signed a one season deal this week, two years after being deregistered for a drunken rampage in New York.

Source: AAP