‘A chance to play more games’: Knights and Titans to benefit from player swap

The Knights have landed one of the most destructive wingers in the game after finalising a player swap with the Titans.

Greg Marzhew is off to the Knights as part of a player swap. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

The Titans have bolstered their hooking stocks after agreeing to a player swap with the Knights.

Chris Randall will join the Gold Coast, while destructive winger Greg Marzhew is off to Newcastle.

Randall burst onto the scene with a record 71 tackles on debut against the Panthers in 2020, and the 26-year-old is expected to back up new recruit Sam Verrills, who joined the Titans this year after winning a premiership with the Roosters.

It will be a new-look spine in 2023, with veteran Kieran Foran also joining the club as the Titans look to bounce back from a disappointing season in which they finished 13th.

Chris Randall on debut. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“Chris is a hard worker who has shown what he can do when given the opportunity at NRL level,” coach Justin Holbrook said.

“Alongside Sam Verrills, Chris adds plenty of depth to the hooking position, which also frees up other players to focus on other roles.”

The player swap seems a good result for both sides given the Knights have Jayden Brailey who is an 80-minute player, while their outside back stocks took a hit with Edrick Lee moving to the Dolphins.

Marzhew is one of the toughest players in the NRL to defend, with the stocky winger breaking 110 tackles last season, only behind Roosters pair James Tedesco and Joseph Manu.

Greg Marzhew could play outside Kalyn Ponga next year. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“I also want to thank Greg for his time at the Titans,” Holbrook said.

“We were able to give Greg his NRL debut here on the Coast and he has gone on to play 25 games for the club.

“The move gives both players a chance to play more NRL games and it’s exciting for both Greg and Chris heading into 2023.

“I wish Greg and his family well as they take up this opportunity with the Knights.”