Titans' Super sidestepper
GOLD COAST BULLETIN
Luke Turgeon

26Jan07

TITANS strike weapon Jake Webster has compared fellow Storm recruit Smith Samau to electric NRL game breakers Benji Marshall and Karmichael Hunt.

Webster, who trained alongside Samau in Melbourne, said the 20-year-old fullback/winger possessed one of the best sidesteps in the game and would be a sensational asset for the Gold Coast.

"He has got a step that you could probably put up there with Karmichael and Benji," said the 23-year-old centre, who will resume full-contact training next week following wrist and shoulder surgery.

"He is very quick and elusive.

"You don't realise how quick he is because he is only small and if you don't get him on the first attempt, he is gone."

Titans managing director Michael Searle yesterday finalised contract negotiations with Samau and fellow Storm youngster Daniel Isaac, the two players traded for recalcitrant Melbourne winger Steve Turner.

Samau has been signed to a two-year deal while Isaac has agreed to play for one season.

Searle said as of yesterday the Titans had released Turner from his contract and he would officially sign off on the deal with Storm boss Brian Waldron on Monday.

"It will be a more enjoyable Australia Day now this is all finished," said Searle.

"Both of them (Samau and Isaac) are Queenslanders and they want to come home.

"It is great for the club."

The pair are expected to begin training with the Titans squad on Monday.

Searle said Samau is almost certain to play first grade with the Titans this season, providing valuable options for coach John Cartwright following the sudden retirement of Great Britain international Brian Carney last week.

Webster backed Samau to crack the top side and believes that once he does he will make an impact.

"He hasn't really had a chance down in Melbourne, behind Billy Slater, Greg Inglis and Steve Turner you are not really going to get much of a shot," said Webster.

"He has got great footwork and is really quick and is always eager to learn.

"I am sure he will bring a lot to this club and won't be far off the starting line-up.

"He is going to bring a positive attitude to training and to the team. It will be good to have him here."

On Wednesday Samau was cleared of serious shoulder damage by a Melbourne specialist, the last major hurdle in the trade for Turner.

Cartwright has had his eye on Samau for quite a while and was relieved he was given the all-clear by team doctors.

"He is an exciting player and it was great to get the good report on his shoulder," said Cartwright.

"I watched him a lot last year and he has got really good feet, very fast and has a good football brain.

"I look forward to seeing him out on the paddock."

The Titans held their final public training session at the Cudgen Hornets club in Kingscliff yesterday before the start of the trials period.

The Gold Coast will play their first trial against Melbourne in Coffs Harbour on February 17, take on Parramatta in Lismore on February 24 before their first home game at Carrara on March 2 against Penrith.