Knights half gets early release and heads North to the Titans

With the signing of Trent Hodkinson, opportunity for Tyrone Roberts at the Newcastle Knights might have been hard to come by. So, he has been given an early release by the Knights and will join the Gold Coast Titans from the 2016 season.

Roberts, who played for the Western Suburbs Rosellas in his junior days, joined the Knights at just 15 and came through their Holden Cup system.

The club was quick to thank Roberts for his long service to the club and wish him the best.

“We would like to thank Tyrone for his contribution to the Newcastle Knights over the past nine years,” Director of Football Michael Hagan said.

“He arrived at the club as a 15-year-old and has gone on to currently play 94 first grade games, which is an outstanding achievement.

“The Knights would like to wish him and his family every success in their future endeavours at the Gold Coast.”

The moment is a bittersweet one for Roberts. Regarding Newcastle as his home, he wanted to stay but knew that making the right decision for his family was crucial.

“The plan was to continue my football in Newcastle but I’ve made a decision that is best for my football career and for my family,” Roberts said.

“I want to thank the supporters and fans that have followed me during my time at the Club.

“I want to thank the players that I’ve played with since I’ve been here in Newcastle, including West Newcastle, Newcastle Rep, Hunter Academy, Harold Mathews, SG Ball and Toyota Cup.

“Also to the coaches who have been involved in my career at the Knights and the Backhus family, Redman family and the Finn family, who I boarded with while playing.”

For the Titans, the early release will see Roberts join their club on a 2-year deal and with 94 games to his name so far and always improving, Titans coach Neil Henry believes the best is yet to come for the halfback.

“Tyrone is an accomplished playmaker and goalkicker who has played nearly 100 first grade games and has all the skills,” said Henry.

“He will complement Ashley and Kane who are young players at the start of their NRL careers and gives us more depth in the squad next year.

“He’s from the far north coast which we regard as the Titans’ catchment area and he has taken an opportunity to move closer to family and take on a senior role at the club and I’m sure he will develop further at the Titans.”

There is now a family affair at the Titans with Tyrone and centre James Roberts cousins, and Tyronne-Davis Roberts their second-cousin.