Hard work and perseverance have earned Erin Clark and Greg Leleisiuao new NRL contracts with the Gold Coast Titans for the next two seasons.
Both men were provided with train-and-trial opportunities before the Christmas break and have impressed the Titans coaching staff to earn two-year deals.
Clark, 22, was born in Auckland and was a part of the New Zealand Warriors NYC side, before making his NRL debut and only NRL appearance in Round 4 of season 2017. The halfback/hooker also made two appearances for Samoa in season 2016.
After two years back home in New Zealand, Clark has reinvigorated his love for rugby league and taken this opportunity with both hands.
“It was a good freshen-up being back home, but it actually reignited that spark and I’m proud to have been able to secure a contract,” Clark said.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity, but I’ll be making sure I’m ready to fill any spot I can in season 2020. I want to keep working hard.”
Leleisiuao, 22, was formerly part of the Gold Coast Titans NYC side before spending the past three seasons with the Parramatta Eels.
The Auckland-born outside back was a sensation in the NSW Canterbury Cup last year, topping the “post-contact metres” and “tackle break” tallies across the whole competition while playing with the Wentworthville Magpies.
Leleisiuao is happy to be back north of the border and is looking forward to season 2020.
“It’s great to be back home surrounded by family,” he said.
“It was a risk coming back and trying to get into the (Titans) system, but I’ve really enjoyed the pre-season and now I’ve earned the contract I really want to continue putting in that effort.”
Titans Head Coach Justin Holbrook has been impressed with the way both players applied themselves to their training.
“It’s great to have Greg back at the Club,” Holbrook said. “He’s been fantastic the whole time at training and it’s great to have been able to reward that effort.
“Erin was a really promising player coming through the ranks and he’s been really training hard.
“He’s lost close to 10kg before coming into training and the skill he has, along with the way he has applied himself, has shown that he is worthy of an opportunity.
“Every club needs depth and both of these men have shown that if and when they get an opportunity to play NRL, they will be ready.”
