The Titans will have two Vani’s dominating the NRLW in 2024 with rising rookie Ivana Lolesio joining the Gold Coast for the next two seasons.
The latest Rugby 7s star to make the switch to league, the 20-year-old has been a hot prospect earmarked for success having previously represented Queensland in the AON Next Gen 7s, as well as wearing green and gold for Australia's Under 18 side at the World Schools 7s in late 2022.
Already making her mark in the BMD Premiership this season dominating as a strike centre for the Burleigh Bears, Lolesio hails from a talented sporting family with older brother Noah part of the ACT Brumbies and Australian Wallabies squads.
"I’m really excited and humbled to be here," she said upon signing until the end of 2025.
"There’s a great bunch of girls at the Titans and they’ve all made me feel really welcome.
"Murph has really ignited that fire of mine again and I’m really looking forward to the season starting."
Titans coach Karyn Murphy is excited to have the young gun join the Coast in 2024.
"Ivana is such a talented athlete with so much potential and I’m so glad to have her part of our Titans squad for at least the next two seasons," she said.
"Getting a taste of some representative footy previously with her background in Rugby 7s, I know she’s extremely hungry to achieve similar success with us and there’s no better time to join our squad after the strides we made last season.
"She’s got all the makings to be a dominant outside back with her speed, agility and power; and most importantly, she has such huge desire and motivation to learn and continue growing as a player.
"We have several senior leaders like Vani (Pelite) and Niall (Williams-Guthrie) who have also made the successful transition from 7s to league, and I know they are really excited to have her with us and are keen to help guide her during her first season of NRLW."
