New Titans recruit Sam Verrills says he couldn’t be happier to call the Gold Coast home as he eyes off the Titans’ number nine jersey.
The former Sydney Roosters hooker has officially touched down in the sunshine state after inking a two-year deal with the club from 2023.
While he’s yet to start training with the side, the 23-year-old said he’s biting at the bit to rip in, admitting he’s under no illusions he’s guaranteed the vacant hooker spot.
“Obviously it’s appealing, but I’ve also got to work for my job as well, it’s not just guaranteed,” Verrills told reporters in his first interview from the Titans Parkwood headquarters.
“That’s why I can’t wait to rip in at training and prove to the lads that I’ll be the number nine here for a while.”
Verrills admitted coach Justin Holbrook was a major drawcard in his decision to join the club.
“The coach, he had a lot to do with the Roosters down there and I spoke to a lot of the players and they always talked high things about Justin,” Verrills said.
“When I had a meeting with him, he was really good and that made me want to come up here.”
Verrills is one of a number of new recruits providing hope for Titans fans, alongside incoming Manly star Kieran Foran.
“Kieran Foran coming in next year, that senior guy coming in, it’s a very exciting time,” Verrills said.
“I’m really looking forward to playing with him, he’s a Manly boy and I’m from the beaches so growing up I always watched him play.
“He’s a tough competitor and he’s one of the better sixes out there in the competition.”
Despite finishing 13th on the ladder this year, Verrills is confident the side can be a finals threat in 2023.
“The Titans weren’t far off knocking the Roosters out the year before in the finals so they’re definitely not far off,” he said.
“They’ve got a lot of NRL experience here with Tino and AJ and my old mate Isaac Liu is here, I spoke to him for a while when I was on the move, they play an exciting brand of footy and they’ve got a new defensive coach here in Brett White.
“So it’s really looking up for the club.”
