Newcastle Knights recruitment director Peter O’Sullivan is reportedly considering a lucrative offer to join the Brisbane Broncos, as the NRL clubs compete for his services ahead of the 2027 season. Sources indicate O’Sullivan has been presented with a contract reportedly worth $2.5 million over five years, potentially making it the most financially significant deal ever offered to a recruitment chief within the NRL.
O’Sullivan confirmed interest from both the Broncos and Parramatta Eels, acknowledging he is weighing several options but has yet to make a decision. “I’ll be making a decision in the next few days,” he said, emphasizing the need to consider what is best for both his professional and family circumstances following Newcastle’s recent grand final appearance.
With a 25-year career in talent identification, O’Sullivan has an established reputation as one of the game’s leading recruiters. He has been credited with signing numerous NRL stars early in their careers, including Greg Inglis and Latrell Mitchell. Notably, he played a key role in persuading then-18-year-old Reece Walsh to depart the Broncos for the Warriors in 2021. Walsh subsequently returned to Brisbane, and O’Sullivan’s potential move to the Broncos could reunite the two.
The Broncos recently underwent a front-office restructure after a disappointing 14th-place finish this season, shifting from premiers to one of their lowest rankings. As part of their efforts to rebuild, they are seeking a new recruitment chief and skills coach. Current recruitment boss Simon Scanlan has transitioned to a strategic projects position, and O’Sullivan is reportedly their top candidate to fill the vacancy.
O’Sullivan joined the Knights in mid-2024, following his stint as the Dolphins’ inaugural recruitment chief, where he collaborated with coach Wayne Bennett to construct a roster that reached the preliminary final this year. His success in talent spotting includes securing the 17-year-old Isaiya Katoa from the Panthers, as well as recruiting Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Herbie Farnworth, and Max Plath to Redcliffe. Additionally, he engineered the high-profile transfer of Dylan Brown from Parramatta to Newcastle on a long-term $13 million deal.
Currently, O’Sullivan is believed to earn around $350,000 annually at Newcastle and is contracted through 2029. Both the Broncos and the Eels remain engaged in a competitive pursuit to secure his services, with Parramatta reportedly still hopeful to outbid Brisbane for his signature. The final decision is anticipated within days, as O’Sullivan weighs the offers amid a reshaping landscape in NRL club recruitment leadership.