When you have a chance to return to a place that is familiar with you and one that is abundant with family, you take it, and Jarrod Wallace has taken the opportunity presented to him.
The current Brisbane Broncos prop will depart the club at season’s end, after signing a 3-year deal from 2017 at the Gold Coast Titans.
Wallace, a Runaway Bay junior, will be returning to a place he knows well, having played in the area previously and along side Ryan James at both SG Ball and Holden Cup level.
“It’s exciting being able to head back to the Gold Coast where I still have a lot of family and join a club that is really on the rise,†Wallace said today.
“I still know a few of the guys there and have kept in contact with Ryan James who is having a great season; it will be good to be reunited with him.”
Although he has signed a deal to move away from the Broncos, his drive and ambition at present is to help the Broncos perform as well as possible.
“But first I want to finish the season strongly with the Broncos who gave me a start in the NRL and have helped me develop my game and taught me a lot about the professionalism needed at that level,” Wallace added.
“However, I see this as an opportunity to hopefully establish myself in the NRL and go back to where my junior career began.â€
Playing in every game this year and last, the signing is one that shores up the Titans prop stocks and one that coach Neil Henry is pleased with.
“Jarrod played 25 games last season and hasn’t missed one in 2016 and in that time has really improved and developed as a player,†Henry said.
“He’ll provide further depth to a pack that has been consistent and competitive all season and is at the age where his best football as a prop is ahead of him.
“It’s great that he has shown faith in what we are developing at the Titans and I look forward to him playing a major role in that.â€