Flegler, who played one State of Origin game for Queensland in 2021, comes from a banana-farming family in the north Queensland town of Tully.

Taupau is a fan.

“He has huge potential. He is a great kid and loves aggression,” he said.

“He is a great athlete, super strong with footwork. He ticks off all the attributes as a front-rower.

“Obviously experience will come playing week-in and week-out but he is definitely one to keep an eye out for the rest of the year.”

Flegler’s move to the Dolphins could open up an opportunity for the 33-year-old Taupau to extend his one-year deal with the Broncos.

“It would be great but I have just got to put my head down and work hard, Taupau said.

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“Hopefully there will be opportunities that come along with that but I can’t really put all my energy into hoping and wishing for something that will happen. I have to work hard for it.”

Taupau is relishing his time at the Broncos and excited by the talent he is playing with.

He said prop Payne Haas, 23, was a “freak” who could dominate the NRL for the next decade.

He regards 20-year-old Selwyn Cobbo, who will play fullback against the Panthers, as “a phenomenal talent … in the mould of Greg Inglis”.

“I have come into a squad being the eldest player but it feels like they have shaved off 10 years of my age,” Taupau said.

“The culture at the club is phenomenal.”

- AAP