Delaney signs with Leeds

[amaline]

Interesting. There was a lot of talk about him wanting to return to sydney.

*

Brett's off but keen for return

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/...st-titans.html
Luke Turgeon

August 3rd, 2009

TITANS centre Brett Delaney is adamant he has not played his last game for the Gold Coast despite suffering a potentially season-ending hamstring injury against the Cowboys on Friday.

The Bulletin can reveal Delaney will quit the NRL at season's end after signing a three-year deal with Leeds Rhinos in the Super League.

The imposing 23-year-old will go for scans on his right hamstring today and faces a nervous wait to discover the extent of the damage.

The worst case scenario will see him ruled out for the remainder of the year, ending his career in the NRL.

"I am hoping it is just four to six weeks," said Delaney, who hobbled from the field late in the first half of the 34-18 loss to North Queensland at Skilled Park.

"But we will wait to see what the scans reveal about how big the tear is. It could maybe even be a nerve problem, I just don't know.

"I want to be back before the semis hopefully.

"If we win one more game we are in the semis and I would love to be a part of that.

"I have been here three years now and I don't want to miss out on all the fun stuff.

"I will be doing my best to get back as soon as I can."

Delaney, who has played the most games for the Titans alongside hooker Nathan Friend with 63, has been a fixture in the Gold Coast backline since the club's inaugural season in 2007.

Titans coach John Cartwright has several replacement options for Delaney as the Coast continues its finals push over the remaining five rounds.

Gold Coast utility Josh Graham filled the gap on Friday night and would be the frontrunner to line up against the Warriors on Sunday in New Zealand.

But much will also depend on injuries, with Chris Walker (quad), Mat Rogers (groin) and Luke O'Dwyer (ankle) all close to returning and capable of turning out in the centres.

"(Delaney) is probably one of those guys you don't realise how important he is until he is not there," said Cartwright.

The injury is a devastating blow for Delaney, who revealed he had been battling hamstring soreness for the past month.

Delaney, who failed to finish training on Wednesday after feeling a twinge in his hamstring, dismissed suggestions he should never have played against the Cowboys.

"It has been on and off for probably the past month and a half," said Delaney, who said he heard his hamstring pop before signalling to the sideline for assistance.

"It was fine on game day," he said. "I was 100 per cent going into the match.

"But when I went to take off it just went 'pop'."

Delaney said he was pleased his playing future had been finalised and was looking forward to the challenge of playing in England.

"Obviously I wanted to stay (with the Titans and in the NRL) but things didn't work out," said Delaney.

"Leeds is a great club and it made my decision to go overseas a lot easier when they approached me.

"They are a strong club with a winning culture.

"But in saying that, I am still with the Gold Coast for the rest of the season and my main goal now is to get my leg right.

"Right now I am focused on getting back for the Coast, getting into the semis and hopefully going all the way."

[Coaster]

Good luck Delaney, all the best with Leeds.

I have been critical of some performances , but always admired your ability to turn up each week fit and ready to play.

[Adelaide Titan]

All the best to Delaney, the Titans have the depth to replace him but he's a player who at times may not play the best but is committed to the job!

[Tamwelg]

I'm glad he has sorted his playing future out, good luck in ESL.

[DIEHARD]

Well he did very well for himself, getting a great contract and signing with a fantastic club such as the Leeds Rhinos. He is so young we may even see him return to the NRL at some stage.

Frog has been a great Titan man and his contribution to the club will always be remembered.

Hopefully he can get back on the paddock soon and help our finals charge.

It is always sad to see a player leave, especially an inaugural Titan.

[heidstar]

AS only 23 its a great thing he has gone to leeds to play with more senior players and his fitness and quickness will improve so much.he will be back as a much better team player.All the best to him...And look forward to seeing him in fine condition back in the NRL!!!

[karnage]

Yeah good luck to him. I would not want anything less for a guy who has been a real stalwart for us in our first 3 years.

[lonegull]

been a great player for the titans maybe one day a return, a quoted earlier it is always sad to see an inagural player leave

[dee13]

Dizzle may be back on the field before the end of the year. His scans showed a medium muscle tear and it is thought that he will only miss a few weeks.

[DIEHARD]

Thanks for the tip Dee, good news.

Gold Coast Titans centre Brett Delaney joins Super League club Leeds

Super League champions Leeds Rhinos have sealed their swoop for Gold Coast Titans centre Brett Delaney.

The 23-year-old former Parramatta player has agreed a three-year contract starting next season and will be a direct replacement for the outgoing Lee Smith, who is set to play rugby union with Wasps.

Sydney-born Delaney said: "When I was first approached by Leeds Rhinos I was really keen to speak to them.

"I have been impressed with the professionalism of the club and the culture of the team.

"I remember speaking to Richie Mathers when he played with us in 2007 about his time at Leeds and he could not speak highly enough about the club and the city of Leeds.

"I know it will take me time to settle into a new club, a new competition and a new country but by agreeing a three-year deal there is a commitment from me and the club to make a success of my time at Leeds.

"I am still relatively young at 23 and I still have a lot to learn. I am looking forward to training and playing with the world-class players in the Leeds squad and especially Keith Senior, who is one of the world's best centres."

Leeds coach Brian McClennan said: "Brett is a quality addition to our squad for next season.

"He has done a great job for the Titans for the past three seasons, making over 50 appearances in the NRL, and played in the City v Country match last season.

"However, he is still only 23 and it is a positive that he is still keen to learn and develop. We look forward to welcoming him to the club for pre-season and I am sure he will enjoy life at the Rhinos."

Agence France-Presse

[DIEHARD]

I'm spewing that a player of the quality of Lee Smith is lost to rugby league and is going to union. He was my 2nd favourite Leeds Rhino!

[patskE]

played out of possie i rkn, still an decent centre, but we can cover him for that possie
would of liked to seen him play 2nd row for a game or two.

[RobJ]

Harsh weather not for the faint hearted, so good luck Brett.

Maybe now we can get some attack out wide.

[DIEHARD]

RHINOS RECEIVE DELANEY VISA BOOST

Leeds Rhinos have received a major boost with the news that new signing Brett Delaney has received his visa and will arrive in the UK at the end of the month to begin pre-season training.

Delaney will join the Rhinos on a three year contract from NRL side Gold Coast Titans and is a direct replacement for Lee Smith, who left Leeds after this year's third Grand Final in a row success.

The 24-year-old centre will make his first appearance for the Rhinos in the Cravendale Festive Challenge game against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on Boxing Day at Headingley Carnegie, kick off 11.30am.

Commenting on the news Chief Executive Gary Hetherington said, "We are delighted that Brett has received his visa clearance and we are looking forward to him joining up with the squad for the start of pre-season. I know he is looking forward to becoming a Rhino and we can not wait to have him here.

"Brett completes our squad for 2010 along with Greg Eastwood and the potential for this group of players for the coming year is certainly an exciting one, starting on Boxing Day against Wakefield."

Tickets for the Cravendale Festive Challenge game go on sale today from the Headingley Carnegie ticket office or online at www.therhinos.co.uk.

Source: www.therhinos.co.uk

[KaeruJim]

I'm a Leeds fan - think Delaney is a positive signing for us, we need a specialist defensive right centre. If he does go back to you guys after the three years, don't worry he'll be looked after at Leeds!

Be interested in people's thoughts on him? He seems a good age, and has some size... his first game for us is being lined up on Boxing Day, hope he's packed his thermals!

Cheers