NRL Transfer Centre 2017-18: Titans land big man Leilani Latu to kickstart signing spree


PENRITH prop Leilani Latu is headed to the glitter strip.

Foxsports.com.au can conform the big unit has been granted a release to accept a lucrative three-year-deal with the Gold Coast.

It’s understood Latu will arrive in Queensland on Wednesday night before joining his new teammates for training on Thursday in what is a huge boots for Garth Brennan’s side.

Since taking the coaching post from Neil Henry in late October, Brennan has been working overtime on the Titans’ roster for next season.

Signing the 24-year-old until the end of 2020 will also help Penrith close their deal with Maloney.


Leilani Latu of the Panthers is tackled.
Leilani Latu of the Panthers is tackled.
After a $200,000 hiccup due to a rejected third-party deal, the Panthers now have the money to sign off on the Test star’s contract.

It was a move the Panthers never intended on making but one the Titans are thrilled with.

Latu, who played under Brennan in the Panthers’ NSW Cup side, is a crucial piece to the roster puzzle but by no means the final piece.

With cap space still to play with, the expected departure of Jarryd Hayne will gift the Titans a mini war chest of cash to hit the open market with.

It’s understood Brennan is working on luring several other players to the club and has been surveying the Super League for new troops.

It is unlikely he’ll be signing any more Panthers with Latu joining Mitch Rein who has already signed on for 2018 with a player option for an additional season.


The move not only bolsters the Titans squad but solidifies Brennan’s plan to shift Ryan James to the edge next season.

With Latu adding size to a pack already featuring experienced big men in Queensland Origin prop Jarrod Wallace and new addition Brenton Lawrence, the Titans have a great blend of youth and experience.

The departure of Agnatius Paasi to the Warriors on compassionate grounds and James’ shift to the back row, leaves Morgan Boyle, Max King, Jai Arrow and Keegan Hipgrave to battle for the remaining positions in the 17.

The arrival of Latu is a huge boost for the new coach.

Titans coach Garth Brennan is seen during training.
Titans coach Garth Brennan is seen during training.
One player who won’t be joining the Titans’ roster in 2018 is Tonga monster Ben Murdoch-Masila.

The Salford forward is keen on a return to the NRL having previously made 58 appearances in the competition across his time with Penrith and the Wests Tigers.

A product of Keebra Park high, the 26-year-old spoke with Titans management but they have decided not to pursue him.

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