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Idris in shock Panthers move
sport
Big Jamal signs three year deal with Penrith after Titans grant early release
I
TROY DODDS
n a major pre-season shock, the Penrith Panthers have signed giant centre Jamal Idris on a three year deal, with the former Origin player to commence training with the club next week in preparation for the 2014 NRL season. The stunning signing coup was confir med on Tuesday when the Gold Coast Titans agreed to release 23-year-old Idris on compassionate grounds. He had spoken to the club on Monday about his desire to return to Sydney to be closer to his family despite having three years left to run on his contract. “I’ve enjoyed my time here at the Titans and I’m grateful that the club has favourably considered my request for a release,� Idris said. “For personal reasons, I have decided it would be best to be closer to my family as my mum has been ill for the past year and it’s been difficult living interstate. “I wish the club all the best and am looking forward to the opportunity with the Panthers.� Panthers Executive General Manager of Rugby League, Phil Gould, said it was a major bonus for the club to secure the services of Idris until the end of the 2016 NRL season. “I admire the way the club and this player have resolved the situation. And for Panthers, it is a major coup to recruit a player of such a high profi le and tremendous ability,� Mr Gould said. “Jamal will be a wonderful acquisition for Penrith, both on and off the fie ld.�
Brad Tighe tackles Jamal Idris at Centrebet Stadium last year. This season, both players will be wearing the opposite jersey. Photo: Melinda Jane.
But to make way for signing Idris, the Panthers have been forced to grant Brad Tighe an early release. Tighe will now replace Idris in the Titans’ squad. “He has been one of my favourites,� Mr Gould said of Tighe. “He is a truly wonderful person and we sincerely wish Brad and his family all the
best with the next phase of his career.� Titans CEO Graham Annesley said he knew he had to grant Idris’ request for a release given his family issues. “We are dealing with people’s lives and at times, we have to put the best interests of people fi rst,� he said. “Jamal has been great on and off the field
during his time at the Titans and while we’re disappointed to see him go we fully understand and appreciate his personal circumstances.� Idris, who has played one Test for Australia and a State of Origin match for the Blues back in 2010, made his fi rst grade debut for Canterbury in 2008.
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