LOCK HIM IN
Titans secure signing of Samoan international Ese’ese
EXPLOSIVE forward Herman Ese’ese will join the Titans next season, with the Samoan international to call the Gold Coast home for the next two years.
Ese’ese is currently playing lock for the Newcastle Knights, but is also comfortable at prop, adding a versatility to the Titans pack.
The 25-year-old has played 81 NRL games since his debut and adds depth and experience to the Titans squad having also played one Test for New Zealand and six Tests for Samoa.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Titans and I’m looking forward to making the Gold Coast home,” Ese’ese said.
“With the experience I have under my belt now, I think I’m playing the best football of my career and I’m looking forward to adding that to the Titans pack.
“I truly believe that Justin (Holbrook) and the coaching staff are assembling a squad that can challenge for finals and I want to be a part of that.
“I’ve got some good mates in the team already and I’ve played at the Rugby League World Cup with Sam (Lisone) and Young (Tonumaipea), so there will be some established combinations there. I’ve got some footy to go this year at the Knights which I’m focused on, but I can’t wait to play my first game next year in front of Titans members and fans at Cbus Super Stadium.”
Gold Coast coach Holbrook said the 107kg talent, who stands at 186cm tall, would be a great addition to the Titans squad.
“Herman is not just a great footballer but he has the character that we’re looking for at the Titans,” Holbrook said. “He is big, skilled, has a great understanding of the game and is always looking to improve.
“Wherever Herman has played, his coaches and teammates always talk highly of him and I’m excited about what he can bring to our squad.
“I think he is a player that Titans members and fans are really going to enjoy seeing play in a Gold Coast jersey.”
Ese’ese, who previously spent time at Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, has played nine games this season, making 12 tackle breaks, 423.6 post-contact metres and averages 11 hit-ups per game.
His defence is among the best, making 230 tackles so far at an efficiency of 93.7 per cent.