It’s on for Young and old with Titans offer
THE Titans have become the first NRL club to make a player signing post COVID-19 after former Melbourne Storm back Young Tonumaipea joined the Gold Coast on a train-and-trial deal.
Tonumaipea has returned from a Mormon mission in Germany and signed with the Titans for the rest of the 2020 NRL season.
Tonumaipea, 27, played 43 games for the Storm after debuting in 2014 before quitting in 2018 to embark on a twoyear mission.
The NRL put a freeze on player signings when the 2020 season was suspended indefinitely in late March.
With the season to resumed from May 28, signings are back on the table and the Titans have pounced to add depth to their squad following the release of English international Kallum Watkins.
“I’ve been away for a couple of years and have come back with all of this COVID-19 stuff happening but I’m grateful to the Gold Coast Titans for giving me this opportunity and I plan on taking it with both hands,” Tonumaipea said.
“It’s awesome to be back in Australia and here at the Titans.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge that is ahead.
“I’ll definitely apply myself and I’m looking for a spot at some stage this year. I’ll do my best at everything I can.”
Samoan international Tonumaipea played mostly on the wing at the Storm but also featured at centre and fullback.
Titans coach Justin Holbrook has already promoted Erin Clark, Greg Leleisiuao and Jaimin Jolliffe to fulltime contracts after they joined in the pre-season on train-and-trial deals.