Brian Kelly joins Manly Sea Eagles from Gold Coast Titans

THE Titans have lost yet another outside back after Manly lured talented flyer Brian Kelly south on a two-year deal worth an estimated $320,000.

Brian Kelly in action during the Holden Cup U20's game between the Gold Coast Titans and the Newcastle Knights. Pics Adam Head

GOLD Coast hierarchy insist they are not concerned about their dwindling backline stocks despite Brian Kelly becoming the fourth outside back to quit the Titans.

The Titans have agreed to release Kelly to Manly immediately after the Sea Eagles lured the talented utility back with a two-year deal worth an estimated $320,000.

Kelly scored four tries in an under-20s Origin match in 2015 and was set to appear for the Titans at the Auckland Nines in February with a view to an NRL breakthrough next season.

But the 20-year-old will instead wear Sea Eagles colours in 2017, delivering another blow to the backline depth of a Titans club eyeing a second consecutive finals appearance.

Brian Kelly has left the Titans to join the Sea Eagles. Picture: Adam Head

In recent months, attacking trio Nene MacDonald (Dragons), Josh Hoffman (Parramatta) and David Mead (Broncos) have severed ties with the Titans to chase opportunities with NRL rivals.

The Titans now have around $700,000 to spend under the salary cap and recruitment chief Tony Mestrov plans to open the chequebook in the wake of Kelly’s departure.

“We’re not worried, we’ll be looking to cover for the guys that have left. We have room in our salary cap and there’s some experienced players out there,” Mestrov said.

Brian Kelly is the fourth outside back to leave the Titans in recent months. Picture: Adam Head

“Naturally, we were disappointed to lose Brian. He’s a player of huge potential and we had big plans for him, but there was interest from other clubs and we chose not to stand in his way.

“He will get an opportunity with Manly in first grade and good luck to him.

“There’s some opportunities in the outside backs at our club as well and we’ll certainly be looking to continue our recruitment ... centre is one position we are looking at.”

Manly assistant John Cartwright, the foundation coach of the Titans, played a key role in securing Kelly, who scored 11 tries in 15 matches in the NYC last season.

“Brian is a really powerful, fast kid, who can play fullback, wing, and centre. He has a similar build to Dylan Walker (NSW Origin utility),” he said.

“Everyone up north has a huge opinion of Brian.

“It was never a case of thinking not if, but when, he will play NRL.”

Originally published as Brian Kelly joins Manly Sea Eagles from Gold Coast Titans