Albert Kelly and Tyrone Roberts among 10 players released by Brisbane Broncos

Brisbane Broncos have confirmed the 10 players that will depart the club at the end of the season.

The list includes a number of already known departures, such as Tyson Gamble’s move to the Newcastle Knights and Brenko Lee to the newly formed Dolphins, as well as Rhys Kennedy who’s bound for Super League with Hull KR. Former Catalans winger David Mead also bows out, but rather than to another club, into retirement.

The players without clubs for 2023 who were confirmed today include a few notable names, with former Hull KR and Hull FC halfback Albert Kelly, and ex-Warrington man Tyrone Roberts. Other names include Ryan James, who departs Brisbane after one season at the club, along with Zac Hosking and Jake Turpin.

Rumours have been inevitably swirling about where the released players will be plying their trade, mainly in other colours in the NRL, but could the lack of concrete discussions surrounding Kelly and Roberts mean a potential return to the UK?

Both players, who are 31, still have plenty to offer at the top level. Kelly is still adored on the Black and White side of Hull having played a key role in their 2017 Challenge Cup final triumph over Wigan.

His chances at Brisbane have been limited and with a number of Super League clubs still looking at halfbacks for the new season, Kelly could be an option having already proved himself in the top-flight of English rugby league.

For Roberts, who spent just one season at Warrington in 2018 to return home to his young family, there could be a burning desire to return to Super League and right and few wrongs from his underwhelming stint on these shores.

Despite reaching both major finals with the Wolves during his time in the UK, there was a sense we didn’t see the best of a player who had at times lit up the NRL prior to moving to Super League and Warrington.

With the confirmation of their departures, only time will tell whether a return to British soil for the 2023 season is a realistic notion for both Kelly and Roberts, but there is no question their availability will have sparked the attention of a number of clubs in the Super League and Championship.