BRONCOS prodigy Caleb Timu has been poached by the Queensland Reds who have snared a bruising forward likened to Gorden Tallis.

News Corp can reveal Timu will put pen to paper with the Reds within days and could be wearing their jersey within a fortnight.

Timu, 22, is highly rated at Red Hill. As a teenager he was the best backrower in his age group but left the club to do a two year Mormon mission.

He returned this year and while he impressed in trial matches has been unable to crack the NRL team.

Timu will leave Brisbane with the club’s best wishes as he will be playing first grade at the Reds well before he would at the Broncos.

He is likely to play outside centre at the Reds where he can use his athletic 110 kilogram frame to batter opponents.

Brisbane are yet to formally grant Timu a release but it is expected to come next week and he will continue to play for Intrust Super Cup side Souths Logan this weekend.

Timu is close with fellow Missionary Will Hopoate.

The Ipswich raised forward detailed his Mission work to News Corp earlier this year.

His proudest moments were helping drug abusers overcome their addictions, heavy work for a man just out of his teens.

“The mission was a goal I had since I was young because I wanted to sacrifice to help other people,” Timu said.

“It taught me to think about others. It changed my outlook on people and I realised everyone has a purpose and I needed to be more selfless.

“We have restrictions to help us focus. I wasn’t allowed to watch television (and) only was able to email my family once a week and call twice a year.”