The Titans have reportedly gained a seven-club battle for hulking prop Alex Leapai Jnr, the son of heavyweight boxing legend Alex Leapai.
According to the Courier Mail, the 17-year-old has signed a three-year deal to hitch the Gold Coast membership after beforehand taking part in for the Roosters.
The gun ahead stands at 193cm and weighs 115kg and is already as large as Broncos celebrity Payne Haas.
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The Roosters, Sea Eagles, Rabbitohs, Raiders, Broncos and Dolphins have been additionally reportedly involved in Leapai’s signature.
Rugby league legend Gorden Tallis reportedly had an enormous hand in Leapai’s recruitment.
“We really appreciated what the Roosters did for us, and they offered Alex another two years, but travelling to Sydney was a long way to go for Alex,” Leapai Snr mentioned.
“We got approached by Gorden Tallis and the big fella said would you be keen to come to the Titans.
“We had a good talk about it with Gordie and the Titans are 30 minutes down the road from where we live in the Logan area.
“We had a meeting with them and looked at their facilities. Alex had a stack of other clubs chasing him, but we were impressed with Gordie and I would love to see my son have a long career in the NRL with the Titans.”
The younger gun additionally revealed he had plans to pursure boxing later in life, similar to his father who famously fought fought for the heavyweight world title in 2014, taking place to Ukrain’s Wladimir Klitschko.
“The Roosters were great to me, but I can stay home and I’m so grateful for the opportunity at the Titans,” Leapai Jnr mentioned.
“I love boxing but rugby league is my priority now and I want to do the best I can.
“One day I’ll give boxing a real go and I’d love to fight for a world title just like my dad.”
Ponga set for round-eight return | 01:13
BATEMAN’S MESSAGE TO WIGHTON
Tigers recruit John Bateman has urged Raiders playmaker Jack Wighton to make the transfer to Leichhardt if he decides to depart Ricky Stuart’s facet.
The 30-year-old shocked the Canberra membership by asserting he would hit the open market and subject presents from rival golf equipment with an choice able to take up for the 2024 season.
Fox League’s James Hooper revealed the Raiders have tabled a four-year $4.4 million extension whereas the Dolphins are additionally within the race.
Meanwhile, Tim Sheens’ Tigers reportedly got here to the desk with a hopping supply beginning at $1.3 million per-season.
Bateman, who performed with Wighton through the Raiders grand ultimate dropping marketing campaign in 2019, instructed the SMH that the gun five-eighth could be welcomed with open arms.
“I haven’t spoken to him but he’s a very good player,” Bateman mentioned.
“I played with him for two years in Canberra, he’s a very good player who’s gone on to play for NSW and obviously won the World Cup last year.
“He’s a great bloke and if he wants to come here, he can feel free to come here. The more better players, you’d take them in your squad.
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Foxx ready for next NSW stint? | 04:16
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“I’m sure Jack will make the right decision. He’s a fantastic player, but Jack needs to make the decision based on what he wants.
“I’m sure Jack’s got something in his mind in what he needs to do, Jack’s 30 years old now so this will probably be the biggest (contract) in his career.”
Bateman himself joined the Tigers forward of the 2023 season after returning to England and representing the Wigan Warriors.
According to Hooper, the Raiders and Dolphins are the 2 golf equipment within the result in safe Wighton’s providers.
The Bulldogs additionally entered the equation, with a pitch that might see the NSW consultant shift to lock.
Meanwhile, the Warriors and Eels have additionally acquired in touch with Wighton’s administration however are unlikely to signal the Kangaroos star.
Source: www.foxsports.com.au