Carroll on brink of Broncos comeback

Former Brisbane foward Tonie Carroll could make a surprise return to Broncos colours if his request to return from retirement is accepted by the NRL.

Carroll approached club bosses last month with the offer, who have since contacted the NRL with a contract registration request.

If registered before tommorrow’s cut off date Carroll would be immediately available for selection.

“Tonie approached us a month ago in the knowledge we had a few injuries and we were coming into the Origin period,” said Broncos’ chief executive Bruno Cullen.

“It was suggested we wouldn’t consider taking him on until he presented himself in a state that proved he was fair dinkum about a comeback.

“That meant training, and training that had to be done away from the club.

“That purely means he would be eligible to play. Whether he actually does play or not will be up to the coaching staff.”

Carroll, now 33, played 216 first grade games for the Broncos – scoring 58 tries – before retiring at the end of the 2008 season.

He played 18 State of Origin matches for Queensland and seven Tests for Australia, as well as representing New Zealand in the 2000 World Cup.