Titans show faith in young Rooster

Roosters centre Lelea Paea (pronounced - Lel-layer Payer) today became the twenty fourth player to sign with the Gold Coast Titans.

Lelea has agreed to a one year contract with the club and is looking forward to the move north where he will be reunited with Titans Coach John Cartwright who identified the twenty three year olds natural talents as a junior.

Lelea is the oldest of three boys all of whom play for the Roosters

?I am looking forward to pulling on the boots for the Titans and fighting for a place in first grade?, said Lelea. ?Over the last few years at the Roosters I have graduated through the senior ranks, and now I want a regular first grade spot, I want to find a niche at the Titans and make a position my own.?

Cartwright said, ?I worked with Lelea at the Roosters and he played in the Premiership Winning Jersey Flegg and Premier League teams during my time there?

?He is a player who will play first grade if given the opportunity and will only be 24 years of age when he gets here which reinforces our youth recruitment policy.?

?Lelea is a very powerfully built centre/winger, similar to Tame Tupou and if needed, he could comfortably fill in at back row as well, his physique is fantastic?

?Having worked with him I know he is a quality person, highly devoted to his parents and family and will be a great clubman and he perfectly fits the mould of our culture we have been trying to achieve.?

Titans Managing Director Michael Searle is looking forward to the arrival of Paea, the signing signalling the easing up of the recruitment drive for the Gold Coast Titans.

Searle said, ?We felt we needed some shoring up in our centres and wing departments and Lelea came highly recommended by our Head Coach who felt he was another player who would create pressure on spots in our squad.?

?This is now our 24th signing and we will now continue to finalise our rostered 25th spot but we will be soon making announcement on the all important 26 -35th spots which is where our teams? depth will be required in our inaugural year.?

Name Lelea Paea AKA P1 D.O.B Jan 6, 1983 Place of Birth Sydney Position Centre / Wing Height 183 cm Weight 96 kgs

Gold Coast Titans signings to date:

Forwards: Daniel Conn (Bulldogs) James Stosic (Sharks), Mark Minichiello (Souths) Clint Amos (Cowboys) Michael Henderson (Dragons) Michael Hodgson (Raiders) Frank Puletua (Panthers) Luke Bailey (Dragons) Anthony Laffranchi (Tigers) Luke Swain (Panthers) Brad Meyers (Bradford) Nathan Friend (Storm) Luke O?Dwyer (Eels) Backs: Lelea Paea (Roosters) Brett Delaney (Eels) Jake Webster (Melbourne Storm) Gavin Cooper (Cowboys) Steve Turner (Melbourne Storm) Preston Campbell (Panthers) Brian Carney (Newcastle) Matt Petersen (Eels) Scott Prince (Tigers) Richie Mathers (Rhinos) Josh Graham (Western Force)