Fresh off a career-best season that saw her Gold Coast Titans make a grand final and Shannon Mato herself take out the Dally M Prop of the Year Award, the workhorse has signed a new long-term deal with the club.
Knowing how influential she is to their Titans side alongside other veteran forwards, the club was quick to act and retain Mato for the long-term until 2027.
Averaging a whopping 180 metres per game in the 2023 season, Mato’s consistency and development were tremendous to watch and Titans coach Karyn Murphy is pleased to have her commit for several seasons.
“Shannon is a hugely important member of our pack as one of the most powerful forwards in the NRLW competition and her numbers give a great snapshot of how lethal she was for us this year up front,” Murphy said.
“Well-deserving of back-to-back player of the year honours, she took her game to a whole new level again in 2023 with her metre-eating ability, especially after first contact; but most importantly, her aggression and intensity in defence is what has really impressed me.”
Murphy also highlighted the importance of both Mato’s nature off the field as well as her importance to the squad alongside the likes of Jessika Elliston and Georgia Hale.
“But whilst she might be ferocious on-field, she has such a bright, bubbly and caring personality off the field, which is hugely important for the make-up and balance of our squad,” Murphy continued.
“I’m really excited to have her locked in with us long-term and continue building our strong starting middle third partnership, which also includes Jess Elliston and Georgia Hale.”