Titans Bring Rogers back to NRL

Correspondent

Rugby League and Union dual international Mat Rogers has agreed to a 3 year deal with the Gold Coast Titans.

The former Cronulla Sharks and current Australian Wallabies star will finalise his contract with the Australian Rugby Union in 2007 before returning to the NRL and the Gold Coast Titans along with his family, model and TV presenter Chloe Maxwell and their son Max.

Gold Coast Titans Managing Director Michael Searle says the signing of Rogers is a massive coup, not only for the Gold Coast Titans, but for the NRL and the entire Gold Coast Community. "Having that star factor plays an enormous role, not only in attracting new sponsors but in generating huge excitement throughout the community."

"Mat Rogers will be a huge drawcard for the Titans during our first season at Robina Stadium in 2008 and I look forward to his arrival."

"This club is determined to compete on all levels be that commercial or on the playing field and Mat will provide international star attraction to our team and add another dimension to our backline."

Equally as comfortable as an outside back or in the halves, Rogers has been signed as a running back for the Titans in 2008. "To his credit he could have secured a far greater financial contract by staying in rugby union but he firmly believes he has outstanding business in our game that he wants to resolve and we have no doubt that he will once again prove to be a potent strike weapon when he returns to the NRL.

"We look forward to welcoming Mat his partner Chloe Maxwell and their son Jack, Skyla and Max to the Gold Coast and our club in 2008.

This is another announcement that should excite our fans and the whole of the rugby league community as we work towards kick off in 2007. "

"Having a rugby league and union dual international of Mat Rogers calibre playing in the National Rugby League again is a coup not only for the Gold Coast Titans but for the National Rugby League."

While he won't see Mat until the 2008 season, Coach John Cartwright says securing the signature of a player like Mat Rogers will be a huge boost to the entire squad. "Mat is an exceptional talent and I am thrilled that we have continued to attract some of the sports biggest names north to the Titans. Wherever Mat slots into the backline in 2008, one thing is for sure, he will create more than a few head aches for his rivals and plenty of scoring opportunities for his team mates, it will be a pleasure to have him on board."     

NRL CEO David Gallop congratulated the Titans on their efforts assisting a great rugby league name to return to the National Rugby League. "The Titans have already shown they are out to make an impact in 2007 and the fact they are planning beyond that even now, underlines just how committed they are."

"Certainly this is a signing that will make everyone sit up and take notice of the Gold Coast and it will be fantastic to see Mat resume his National Rugby League career in our Centenary year." 

Name Mat Rogers Born February 1 1976 Place of Birth Sydney School TSS, The Southport School, Gold Coast Playing History Australian Schoolboy Rugby Union International   Cronulla Sharks 1995-2001   5 Games Queensland State of Origin team   11 Tests Australian Kangaroos Rugby League Team   New South Wales Waratahs Super 14 side 2002   Australian Wallabies Rugby Union team, debut 2002 v France   41 caps for the Wallabies, Points 158 (13t, 27c, 13p)   2008 Gold Coast Titans