Titans sign Keegan Hipgrave replacement: Zero error Tigers rookie Sam McIntyre

The Gold Coast Titans have moved swiftly to replace departing forward Keegan Hipgrave by securing a promising Wests Tigers rookie on a two-year contract.

Keegan Hipgrave of the Titans takes the ball up during the Round 4 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Wests Tigers at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Sunday, June 7, 2020. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

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The Gold Coast Titans have moved swiftly to replace departing forward Keegan Hipgrave by securing promising Wests Tigers rookie Sam McIntyre on a two-year contract.

The 22-year-old forward played 12 matches for the Tigers in 2020, including two starts in the second row, but declined a one-year extension at Wests to sign Gold Coast’s longer deal.

The Titans were enamoured with McIntyre’s agility as the club looks to build speed and athleticism throughout the team.

McIntyre’s versatility, capable of playing in the middle and on the edges, could see him press for a bench position from as soon as Round One.

With the State of Origin series return to mid-year almost a foregone conclusion the Titans need for forwards to cover the loss of Moeaki Fotuaika, David Fifita and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to representative duty was significant.

Tigers Sam McIntyre scores a try during the Wests Tigers v Warriors NRL match at the SCG. Picture: Brett Costello

The 190 centimetre, 100 kilogram McIntyre is a larger man than the 183 centimetre, 102 kilogram Hipgrave and more efficient in areas of the game his predecessor struggled.

The oft-maligned Hipgrave committed five penalties and 11 errors in 791 minutes on the field in 2020 while McIntyre conceded three penalties and zero errors in 442 minutes.

McIntyre is also the more accurate defender, completing 94 per cent of tackles (280/299) to Hipgrave’s 87 per cent (356/411).

McIntyre is the 29th player to sign on with the club for 2021, leaving just one roster spot to complete the squad ahead of pre-season training next week.

Hooker remains a concern with former Manly Sea Eagle Danny Levi the highest profile rake on the open market.

Centre is another area of weakness with new recruit Patrick Herbert and Brian Kelly the only specialists in the squad.

Kelly has called for the team to sign Ballina product James Roberts to complete their roster, second rower Beau Fermor showed glimpses of his potential in the backline with a try on debut in the No.3 jersey.

Phillip Sami and Treymain Spry would be other options if injury struck.