Titans sign Kahler

The Gold Coast Titans have signed Canberra second rower Kris Kahler to a two-year deal. Kahler is the Titans 27th senior player signing and the club is amazed the 23-year-old was still unsigned for 2007.

He joins an imposing forward pack for the new franchise which includes the likes of Luke Bailey, Anthony Laffranchi, Brad Meyers and Frank Puletua. The Titans recruitment drive is far from over, the club saying another six players would be added in coming weeks with a back-up halfback top of their priority list.

Titans Media release 11/09/2006

Kahler looking to do the hard yards at the Titans!

Uncompromising Canberra Raiders second rower Kris Kahler is the latest addition to the Gold Coast Titans playing roster after agreeing to a two year deal with the new NRL franchise.

Gold Coast Titans Managing Director Michael Searle saying ?The Signing of Kris as our 27th player is a true indication of our commitment to ensuring we have adequate depth for our inaugural year and beyond.?

?Kris is highly rated by our coaching staff and his return to Queensland is a bonus for the Titans. He is a strong, tough player who will place pressure on the starting pack immediately. This is an awesome signing for our club.?

Coach John Cartwright is surprised the Titans were able to secure a player of Kris?s ability at this stage of the season.

?Kris was originally recommended to us by Matt Adamson, he is coming here for all the right reasons and we are excited to be able to add a player that can play in the front row and back row and who has a work ethic that will excite his fellow players.?

?I am very pleased that we have a very physical and workmanlike pack that won?t be taking a backward step. As a coach, that provides you with a chance to play enterprising football out wide.?

Cartwright on Kris Kahler?s form in 2006.

?Given he has forced his way back into the strong Raiders team after recovery from a shoulder reconstruction at the start of the season is a credit to him and his playing ability.?

?He has had an outstanding back end of the season and we rated his performances highly and his work rate will be a real bonus for our pack.?

Gold Coast Titans Football Manager Scott Sattler believes Kahler is a fantastic addition and a great fit for the 2007 Titans. ?I think your players have got to reflect your Coach and Kris will fit into John Cartwright?s plans very well. He is tough, durable and very mobile.?

?Kris is one of those guys that players like playing alongside because he gets in there and does the dirty work. It?s players like Kris who help clubs grind out tough wins. John identified Kris very early on and to be able to get him here is a huge boost to our already impressive forward pack.?

For Kris it?s a great opportunity and a chance to come home.

?The Titans have provided me with a fantastic opportunity to be a foundation player at a Queensland NRL Club and for that I am truly grateful. The quality of the roster is unbelievable and I am really looking forward to playing under John Cartwright and Billy Johnstone.?

?I have heard a lot of really good things about John and I also believe the fitness regime of Billy Johnstone will help me reach the next level so I am very excited about the move to the Gold Coast.?

Kris Kahler Profile

Name Kris Kahler
DOB 13TH February 1983
Place of Birth Gympie Queensland
Position Second Row
Height 191cm
Weight 100kg
Junior Club Gympie Devils
Previous Clubs Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders
First Grade Debut Broncos v Tigers May 31 2002

The Titans haven?t finished yet.

The door isn?t closed on recruitment for the Gold Coast Titans debut season with Managing Director Michael Searle suggesting another six players will be signed in the coming weeks.

?Some of those players will have NRL experience and the balance will be secured by our coaching staff through our feeder club system in the Queensland Wizard Cup.?

With a roster of forwards that would be the envy of any NRL Club, Searle says backline depth is the new focus.

?The possibility of securing additional outside backs and a half, five/eight to protect us against a run of injuries in the halves has become our next objective.?