Rising star Izaia Perese is set to sign a two-year deal with the NSW Waratahs, after reported interest from new NRL franchise the Dolphins in luring him back to rugby league.

24-year old Perese departed the NRL after two games for the Brisbane Broncos between 2019 and 2020 and return to rugby union, his first love.

The return paid off with two Wallabies caps at the end of 2021, with the hard-hitting Queenslander having earned the admiration of national coach Dave Rennie.

According to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald, Perese will re-sign with the Tahs to remain at the club until 2024, with his contract including ‘a substantial Wallabies top-up’.

The news comes after a reported push from Wayne Bennett and the Dolphins to bring Perese back to the NRL, though the 24-year old is reported to have never truly considered a move.

The contract will bring some badly needed continuity to Perese’s disjointed career, having spent time playing for French Top 14 side Bayonne during 2020 after an acrimonious end to his time with the Broncos where he was stood down after being charged with drug-related offences.

Encouraged to return to Australia by Waratahs defence coach Jason Gilmore, he has spent the last two years in the royal blue, but has battled injuries, particularly to his shoulder.

Seen by those in the know as a long-term heir apparent to Samu Kerevi in the Wallabies’ number 13, Perese’s recommitment to Australian rugby union is a strong sign he is prepared to make that dream a reality.

He is among those vying for coveted spots in the Wallabies’ squad to take on England in this winter’s Test series on home soil.