In what is regarded as a big loss for the forward stocks of the Cronulla Sharks, NSW prop Luke Douglas has made the decision to head back home, and sign with the Gold Coast Titans on a 3-year deal.
Originally from Yamba, NSW in the Northern Rivers, the deal is until the end of the 2014 season, that will provide a fresh element of scenery for Douglas, and move him closer to home.
After making his debut for the Cronulla Sharks back in 2006, the 24-year old prop has played 126 games for the club, and he was the first NRL player to play 100 consecutive first-grade games since his debut.
Titans Managing Director and CEO Michael Searle said that he sees Douglas as a star prop for the future, both for the Titans, and for NSW in the coming years.
“Luke is an emerging young front rower and having met him we are comfortable that his decision to come home is for the right reasons,’’ said Searle of the Yamba Eagles and Lower Clarence Magpies junior.
“There is no doubt his ability to play big minutes and his size makes him the perfect option for State of Origin and international rugby league in the immediate future.
“He will add a good dimension to our pack in the medium term and with him coming home, we expect him to be here for the long haul.â€
Titans coach John Cartwright sees Douglas has being a similar style player to current Titans prop Luke Bailey, and that they are in a similar mold to each other.
“He plays big minutes and is very similar to a Luke Bailey type. One of his ambitions was to play alongside Luke Bailey and we see him as the sort of guy that when Bails does retire down the track, he’ll take over from him,’’ said Cartwright.
“He ticks a lot of boxes. He’s verging on State of Origin selection, he’s young, he’s from the Northern Rivers and he’s come here for the right reasons.
“He could have earned more money where he was but he’s made the decision to come home to be closer to his friends and extended family.’’