Tesi set for Niu club in 2022

Rising star Tesi Niu appears set to depart the Brisbane Broncos after this season, with a new suitor ready to snap up the fullback for 2022.

It was revealed earlier this week that Brisbane had failed to offer Niu a contract past this season, with salary cap restraints stopping the Broncos from being able to formally offer the 19-year-old a new deal.

Following the news, it appears several clubs have taken notice, with the South Sydney Rabbitohs early favourites for the outside back's signature.

It's believed the Bunnies see Niu as a long term replacement for Dane Gagai in the centres, with the Queenslander set to confirm his return to the Newcastle Knights within the next few weeks.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 10: Adam Reynolds and Dane Gagai of the Rabbitohs look up at the replay screen during the round one NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the New Zealand Warriors at Optus Stadium on March 10, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)

South Sydney have opened a pocket of cap space for next season following the departures of Adam Reynolds, Jaydn Su'A and Gagai to rival clubs, opening the door for Niu to link up with Rabbitohs head coach and former Brisbane assistant Jason Demetriou next year.

Niu has enjoyed a breakout season at Red Hill, scoring three tries in Brisbane's last five games, including a stunning double against Cronulla in Round 16.

His departure would be another kick in the guts for the Broncos, having already lost David Fifita, Reece Walsh, Xavier Coates and Sam Walker in recent years.

Niu would add to an already potent backline, featuring the likes of Latrell Mitchell, Alex Johnston, Cody Walker and Campbell Graham in 2022, with halfback the only real question mark over the Rabbitohs premiership credentials for next year.

It's likely Souths juniors Blake Taaffe and Lachlan Ilias are set to fight it out over the pre-season to partner Walker in Round 1.