3 days ago
'He's that good': Major coup as Brisbane Broncos sign 'next Benji Marshall'
The Brisbane Broncos have reportedly signed talented youngster Calvin Harris-Tavita from under the noses of NRL rivals the New Zealand Warriors - and rugby union. The younger brother of Warriors five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita, Calvin has been touted as the "next Benji Marshall" due to his side-step and ability to carve up opposition defences.
The 17-year-old is still based in Auckland and has played both league and union. He attends the prestigious Kings' College and was recently promoted to the school's first XV in rugby. But he's just as good at league and was recently named in the team of the tournament at the Under-17s ANZRL competition.
News Corp is reporting that Brisbane have signed the younger Harris-Tavita brother and given him a spot in their academy. And photos on the 17-year-old's Instagram account show him training in Broncos gear last month.
Huge raps on 'next Benji Marshall'
Speaking back in 2023, the chairman of New Zealand Maori rugby league spoke glowingly of what kind of career Harris-Tavita will have. One of the most respected voices in Kiwi rugby league, John Devonshire likened Harris-Tavita to a young Marshall - who burst onto the scene as a teenager with an incredible step and turn of speed.
'He is the next Benji Marshall to be honest,' Devonshire told . 'He is that good. I haven't seen someone as exciting as he is for many, many years. Especially as a seven (halfback).'
Devonshire was a talent scout for the Warriors in the 1990s, and made a staggering call on how good Harris-Tavita can be. When asked how he rates the youngster's side-step compared to Benji's, he said: 'Better. And not being disrespectful to Benji, but he tackles better too.'
Tellingly, Devonshire predicted the Warriors would have a fight on their hands to sign Harris-Tavita. But he thought it would be rugby union - not another NRL club - who would poach him.
'The lure of the All Black jersey is always there," he said. "Over here the school system is about two out of 10 for rugby league. But the family will do what is right for him. He has still got his education and we have to think about that as well. But he should write his ticket now. There will be agents lining up for him.'
Calvin Harris-Tavita eyeing NRL debut with Broncos
Calvin's older brother Chanel is having a brilliant season for the Warriors, helping them sit fourth on the NRL ladder after 19 rounds. The five-eighth stepped up last week in the first game without halves partner Luke Metcalf, who is gone for the rest of the season with an ACL injury.
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As for Calvin, he might not have to wait too long to get a taste of NRL level at the Broncos. Michael Maguire's team have Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt on their books for one more season in 2026, but they're both 35 and won't be around for too much longer.
Five-eighth Ezra Mam is only 22, while 19-year-old Coby Black is being touted as the club's halfback of the future. But if Harris-Tavita impresses the right people while making his way through the ranks, he might have something to say about that.
