Gold Coast Titans sign Test international Herman Ese’ese

The Gold Coast Titans have signed a Test international representative from a rival club. We reveal the hard-hitting lock here. SUBSCRIBE TO READ MORE.

New Titans signing Greg Leleisiuao. Picture: GOLD COAST TITANS

EXPLOSIVE forward Herman Ese’ese will join the Titans next season, with the Samoan international to call the Gold Coast home for the next two years.

Ese’ese is currently playing lock for the Newcastle Knights, but is also comfortable at prop, adding a versatility to the Titans pack.

The 25-year-old has played 81 NRL games since his debut and adds depth and experience to the Titans squad having also played one test for New Zealand and six tests for Samoa.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Titans and I’m looking forward to making the Gold Coast home,” Ese’ese said.

FULL DIGITAL ACCESS: JUST $1 A WEEK FOR FIRST 12 WEEKS

“With the experience I have under my belt now, I think I’m playing the best football of my career and I’m looking forward to adding that to the Titans pack.

“I truly believe that Justin (Holbrook) and the coaching staff are assembling a squad that can challenge for finals and I want to be a part of that.

“I’ve got some good mates in the team already and I’ve played at the Rugby League World Cup with Sam (Lisone) and Young (Tonumaipea), so there will be some established combinations there.

Herman Ese'ese of the Knights during the Round 7 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Newcastle Knights at QLD Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, Saturday, June 27, 2020. (AAP Image/Cameron Laird)

“I’ve got some footy to go this year at the Knights which I’m focussed on, but I can’t wait to play my first game next year in front of Titans Members and fans at Cbus Super Stadium.”

Gold Coast Coach Justin Holbrook says Ese’ese will be a great addition to the Titans squad.

“Herman is not just a great footballer but he has the character that we’re looking for at the Titans,” Holbrook said.

MORE BULLETIN NRL COVERAGE

■ Titans offer Fifita richest contract in NRL history

■ Holbrook’s inspiration for Fermor’s epic debut

■ Titans in nine-club race to sign PBC star

“He is big, skilled, has a great understanding of the game and is always looking to improve.

“Wherever Herman has played, his coaches and team-mates always talk highly of him and I’m excited about what he can bring to our squad.

“I think he is a player that Titans Members and fans are really going to enjoy seeing play in a Gold Coast jersey.”

EARLIER:

Exciting backline prospect Greg Leleisiuao will spend another week waiting for his NRL debut after coach Justin Holbrook awarded a wing position to 20-year-old Treymain Spry instead.

Titans fans have clamoured for Leleisiuao’s inclusion in the team following an electric 2019 season with Wentworthville Magpies in the NSW Cup.

Leleisiuao’s powerful running saw him finish that season ranked first in run metres (4512) and tackle-breaks (196), with 12 tries, a Grand Final berth and team of the season honours as a result.

With five backline starters unavailable due to injury many hoped Friday’s match against Leleisiuao’s native New Zealand Warriors would have been the perfect chance to unleash a beast.

New Titans signing Greg Leleisiuao. Picture: GOLD COAST TITANS

“It’s been hard for guys like Greg coming back to training,” Holbrook said.

“They’ve got to try get some games under the belt and Greg is the first to admit he needs match fitness.

“He’s training really hard but he’s one of those types of guys who needs week-on-week footy to get his match fitness up.

“He’s a very strong, powerful player but with limited interchange (positions) it’s hard to bring him on unless he’s 100 per cent ready to go.

“We’ve had a couple of scrimmage games and that’s been really good for him. He’s not far off.”

Blooding 20-year-old Treymain Spry instead is a fair consolation prize.

Treymain Spry at training. Picture: Gold Coast Titans

The Ipswich product signed with the Titans last year after cutting short his time with the Roosters due to homesickness.

He enters the frame in strong form with two tries from last week’s scrimmage with the Sharks wider squad.

“Obviously we have a couple of makeshift centres with backrowers playing centre, so I need a winger who can play wing,” Holbrook said.

“Treymain can do that.

“He’s a great young player and in the couple of scrimmage games we’ve played with other clubs he’s done really well.

“To give Treymain his debut is exciting, as a coach you want to give people opportunities and he’s a really talented young player coming through.”