Caption: (From left) Esikeli Tonga, Kevin Gordon and David Mead
The offer of lucrative contracts from Southern based clubs has failed to lure three of the Titans’ most exciting prospects away from the Gold Coast club’s NRL Program.
Young outside backs David Mead, Esikeli Tonga and Kevin Gordon have all agreed to contract extensions with the Jetstar Titans, choosing to stay loyal to the Gold Coast club for significantly less money than they could have earned on the open market.
Mead and Tonga this week agreed to extended two-year deals with the club which will see them remain in Gold Coast colours until the end of 2011. The pair join Gordon, who also knocked back offers to re-sign until 2011.
Jetstar Gold Coast Titans managing director Michael Searle said the trio’s decision to remain with the club was testament to the programs coach John Cartwright and his team have put in place.
“From the outset John has signalled his intention to develop home grown Titans players and already we have seen a host of very exciting young players provided with an opportunity to perform in first grade,’’ said Searle.
“The reason we have been able to retain these three outstanding young players is because they know that with the right effort and commitment to their individual games, the opportunities will present themselves under John’s guidance at the Titans.’’
David Mead, who last year was one of the surprise packages of the Rugby League World Cup playing for Papua New Guinea, said the decision to stay with the Jetstar Titans was more about family lifestyle and opportunity than money.
“My family are here and having them close is very important to me. I’ve also set myself some goals that I want to achieve with the Titans,’’ said Mead.
“I'm really happy here and didn't really want to move so the money was never really ever a deciding factor.’’
Similarly Kevin Gordon, the Titans’ fastest player has his sights set on making his first grade debut for the Gold Coast.
“Last year under Murph (NYC coach Steven Murphy) I improved so much and I just didn't see any reason in moving away from a club that I love and away from my family at this stage in my career,’’ said Gordon.
Eskeli Tonga stormed into the Titans top side during the later stages of the 2008 season and looks certain to push for a first grade spot in 09. The quietly spoken Tongan representative said he was pleased to have his immediate playing future secured.
“I'm just very happy about the opportunities I have received at the Titans and I'm looking forward to improving my game even more under Carty this season and hopefully being a part of the first Titans’ team to play finals Footy,’’ he said.
For Cartwright, the retention of Mead, Gordon and Tonga is especially pleasing as he continues to build a club based on passion and loyalty.
“Its really pleasing to see that these fellas have faith in the systems that we have put in place over the past few years,’’ said Cartwright.
“When you consider we have already retained the likes of Will Matthews, Shannon Walker and more recently Kane Lawton, you can really start to see that we are building something pretty special.’’
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