Gold Coast Titans re-sign forward pair

The NRL lifelines handed to Eddy Pettybourne and Agnatius Paasi by Gold Coast have been extended into new two-year deals.

The New Zealand-born forward pair were recruited by the Titans at the end of last year and have quickly made the most of the opportunity handed to them.

Pettybourne, the former South Sydney and Wests Tigers player, was picked up on a one-year deal after being granted compassionate grounds to cut short his time with English Super League club Wigan.

Paasi opted to come to the Gold Coast last November on a trial with the Titans after leaving the Warriors.

The 24-year-old has gone on to make nine appearances this season after being given a one-year deal, including his first full 80 minute performance in the Titans’ last-start loss to the Sydney Roosters a fortnight ago.

Both players have now been granted two-year extensions which will keep them at the Titans until the end of the 2017 season.

Titans coach Neil Henry said both men had earned their deals after proving their worth to the club.

“Eddy, a late acquisition from Wigan as an experienced NRL player and has provided not only experience but good energy, leg speed and power to our forwards,” Henry said.

“He is also a good role model in the club. He backed himself with a one-year deal and has been able to convert that into a longer term stay here at the Titans.

“Agnatius has made significant progress in his short time at the club after coming here on a train and trial contract.

“He has been a real success story, applying himself in pre-season training and is starting to become a regular member of our 17.

“This is a great reward for his efforts.”

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