Bulldog makes Broncos return

Canterbury back-rower Ben Hannant will return to Brisbane at the end of the season after agreeing to a four-year deal with the Broncos.

Hannant agreed to terms last week but the Broncos have waited for him to be released from his 2011 contract by the Bulldogs, a process that was completed yesterday.

The Bulldogs agreed to the Hannant clearance after the signing of Aiden Tolman from Melbourne and the provision of a non-cash commercial arrangement for Queensland-based Bulldogs supporters.

“It is good to have Ben back on our books,” said Broncos’ chief executive Bruno Cullen this

“He has spent considerable time at the club in recent years and he knows and fits into the Broncos’ system really well.

“He is a prop forward of the highest quality and will be a great asset to the Brisbane Broncos club.”

Hannant has already played 70 first-grade games for the Broncos in a stint between 2006 and 2008.

The 25-year-old made his Queensland Origin debut from the Broncos club in 2008 and last year attained international status when he represented the Kangaroos in four Tests.