Brisbane Broncos set to pounce on Palm Island teen sensation Billo Wotton

The Cowboys and Sydney Roosters are understood to have been in contention for the Palm Island junior’s signature but Brisbane has won the race.

Wotton only recently turned 14, meaning he is not allowed to enter into a contract with a player manager until January 1 2024, but the Broncos are willing to wait for him after coming to an informal agreement.

Young gun Wotton is one of the most feared attacking weapons in the local under-14 competition and made headlines last year for scoring 41 tries in 12 games.

This season Wotton has 11 tries in five games so far, including at least one in each of his appearances.

Typically a backrower, Wotton was selected at centre for the 14-15 years Northern team that contested the recent Queensland Schoolboys Championships in Townsville.

Originally hailing from Palm Island but now boarding in the Towers, Wotton is expected to move to Brisbane imminently.

Wotton’s grandfather Lex said it was a proud moment for his family and the entire community.

“A lot of people are proud of him, especially his family, and hopefully one day we can see him on the big screen playing for Queensland and then possibly Australia. Even to make the NRL, we’d love to see him there,” his grandfather said.

“It’s great that he had interest from teams so far away.

“Once he gets there (to Brisbane) he’ll be under their guidance and then once he’s 15 he’ll sign his contract. But as soon as he’s there’ll he’ll have medical insurance cover and access to physio and everything like that.”

Wotton is the second Palm Island junior to earn the attention of an NRL club in recent weeks after Assariah Lenoy was offered a Cowboys Young Guns contract.

Lex said it was testament to the undiscovered talent in remote communities that just need the opportunity to prove their talent.

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“Where he comes from, he could be a really good role model for a lot of people in this community but also people of any colour,” Lex Wotton said.

“We have a junior league team but it’s not as structured and supported as teams on the main land.

“Hopefully we have a lot more people look at these two young fellas and it can convince parents to want their kids to succeed.”

Originally published as Brisbane Broncos set to pounce on Palm Island teen sensation Billo Wotton