IOANE RELEASED TO DRAGONS
Kiwi-born prop Mark Ioane has been released by the Aquis Gold Coast Titans to take up an opportunity with St George Illawarra Dragons for the remainder of the 2015 season.
Ioane, whose contract with the Titans was to end at the completion of this season, will join the Dragons immediately and use the coming weeks to push his claims for an ongoing position.
The 107kg prop joined the Titans in 2013 after two seasons with the Raiders, previously winning an under-20s competition with the Warriors in 2010.
He made his NRL debut round 8 of 2013 against the Warriors and played 24 NRL games for the club, and was also a consistent performer for Burleigh Bears in the Queensland Cup.
“I want to thank the Titans for giving me the opportunity to make my NRL debut and to develop my game on the Gold Coast,” Ioane said.
“This has happened quickly but I feel I have to take this opportunity given to me to hopefully play more first grade and get more time on the field at a very established club.
“I have some really good friends from my time here and I know those friendships will continue and I wish all the boys the best for the rest of the season. And the fans have been very supportive too.
“I also want to thank the Burleigh Bears for their help on and off the field over the years. I have made a lot of good mates there as well.”
Coach Neil Henry wishes Ioane well at his new club and thanked him for his consistent efforts during his three seasons with the Titans.
“Mark has worked very hard on his game and is well respected and popular among our squad,” Henry said.
“But he has been given an opportunity to hopefully establish himself at a very proud club that is travelling well at this stage of the season. I wish him well for the remainder of this season and beyond.”
