The Canterbury Bulldogs have been dealt a blow, with Jamal Idris announcing that he is set to join the Gold Coast Titans on a five-year deal starting in 2012.
With the Bulldogs disappointed at the decision, Jamal will leave the Bulldogs with his best wishes and indebted to them for giving him his start in the NRL.
With negotations now well and truly finished, Idris is keen to focus on this season, and ensure that it is a successful one for the Bulldogs.
“I owe a debt of gratitude to the Bulldogs, I have spent four great years with the Club and I got my start in First Grade here,†Idris says. “Everyone at the Club has put a lot of work into developing me both as a player and a person.
“I will certainly leave with a heavy heart. I am 100% focused on finishing off 2011 on a high and I know that with the group we have assembled here we can do that.
“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my team mates, Kevin Moore and his coaching staff, CEO Todd Greenberg and his staff, and our wonderful Members and fans for their support over the years.â€
For Idris, the allure of a new area, and to play under a side on the rise, and in a lifestyle that suits him, was simply too good to refuse.
“I’m really excited about what the Titans have to offer as a club and the change of lifestyle on the Gold Coast,” said Idris.
“In saying that, I’ve enjoyed playing for the Bulldogs and I’ll be doing by best to make sure I finish my time with the club on a high.”
Titans CEO and Managing Director Michael Searle said that Idris’ exploits both on the field and off the field, make him a perfect candidate for the club.
“Jamal is a young and an incredibly talented athlete but he also fits into our core values as a person,” said Searle.
“He was very impressive when John Cartwright and I met him on the Gold Coast several weeks ago and I’m certain he is going to make a big difference to our playing roster and club in general.
“His signing is seen as an important step in the planning for the future of the club.”
Titans coach John Cartwright also said: “Jamal is a great talent with size, speed and youth on his side.”
“He has the X-factor and a real presence about him so I’m sure he’s going to make a real difference to our playing roster.”