General Rhinos sign Delaney from Titans

[leeds_warrior_old]

Leeds Rhinos have signed Gold Coast Titans centre Brett Delaney on a three-year contract.

The 23-year-old will join the reigning Super League champions in time for the start of next season and is a direct replacement for Lee Smith.

"When I was approached by Leeds I was really keen and I have been impressed by the professionalism and culture of the team," Delaney said.

The former Parramatta man has been with the Titans since they formed in 2007.

But his ever-present record this season looks under threat after he injured a hamstring in Friday's home defeat by North Queensland.

"I remember speaking to Richie Mathers when he played with us in 2007 about his time at Leeds and he could not speak highly enough about the club and the city," Delaney added.

"I am looking forward to training and playing with world class players and in particular Keith Senior, who is one of the world's best centres."

Rhinos coach Brian McClennan added: "He has done a great job for the Titans in the past three seasons, making more than 50 appearances in the NRL.

"However, he is still only 23 and it is a positive that he is keen to learn and develop."


https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/leeds/8182204.stm

 

[Kid-Dynamite_old]

Wow, that was out of the blue.

I've been impressed with Delaney this year, defensively very solid and runs hard. He's a big lump of a lad. Got injured in the weekend though didn't he?

 

[leeds_warrior_old]

Wow, that was out of the blue.

I've been impressed with Delaney this year, defensively very solid and runs hard. He's a big lump of a lad. Got injured in the weekend though didn't he?

Hamstring I think. Been told though he's been done for affray which doesn't sound good if true, especially trying to get him over if we don't get Eastwood because of some driving thing then doesn't look good for Delaney coming over.

I've never actually seen him play before but from the sounds of it I take it he's a good player ?

 

[Kav_old]

Delaney is one of the biggest centres in the NRL; good carrier of the ball and uses his size to advantage. Defence is rock solid and should be a very good buy considering his age (particularly as he has had about five years of top grade under his belt).

Kav

 

[Northern_Union]

Yeah he is a good player. Probably not that far off SOO selection for mine either.

 

[leeds_warrior_old]

Oh well from whats been said he might not get a visa to come now. We're going to end up with a team of players thats out on loan waiting for visas haha. Already got Greg Eastwood and looks like Delaneys going to be joining him too in waiting. Why don't we just go for someone who has a clean record and won't have a problem getting a visa.

 

[Esoj_old]

I think you would have more luck finding a needle in a haystack than a kiwi or aussie male aged between 20-30 playing in the nrl that doesn't drink at all.

in all seriousness the new uk visa laws are making it seem impossible for anyone from the nrl to play in the uk if they don't have a perfect record. if the nrl guys keep getting rejected maybe the superleague clubs will look more at home first before trying for an nrl player.