Henderson signs with Titans

St George Illawarra Prop Michael Henderson today became the 16th signing of the NRL’s newest club the Gold Coast Titans.

The 21-year-old is looking forward to making his own way as a reputable front rower and the Gold Coast Titans is the perfect vehicle.

Titans Head Coach John Cartwright said, “I think that’s a major reason for him coming. He’s been in a queue down there behind Bailey, Ryles, Simms and Poore and they have some other guys coming through in Wicks etc so I definitely see him coming in and being a leader.”

“The best thing about him is that he’s got a fair bit of first grade experience, he’s only 21 years old and I love having young fellows in the side who have first grade experience and still have their best playing years ahead of them.”

Cartwright rates the former Griffith junior as an important component to an already impressive forward pack.

“He turns 22 when he comes to us. It is really important for the balance in the side that we’ve got some good hard heads in the front row and now we’ve got a good young fellow to add to them. Luke Bailey holds him in high regard and I know when it’s tough in games, Bailey likes to have him on the field with him. He’s a tough boy, he doesn’t lie down and when he gets hit he gets back to his feet. He’s the perfect mould for a front rower.”

Henderson sought advice from Bailey in making the decision to move to the Gold Coast.

“I will always have fond memories of being a Dragon. I’ve had nothing but great times there. At the same time I am looking forward to a fresh start and to meeting and playing with a group of new blokes and basically trying to build a name for myself,” said Henderson.

“At the Dragons, we’ve had so many great front rowers and great young players coming through I just want to try and do well for myself and hopefully from a team’s point of view we can have a real good start to a successful club here.”

“Bull (Luke Bailey) and I have always got on and he is a great bloke that was a big part of my decision. I had a good yarn to him about coming up here and he had nothing but good things to say about the place and the people so gaining that advice from him was good.”

Henderson came to the Gold Coast to check out his future home city and attended a Kids to Kangaroos training clinic before heading back to Sydney this afternoon.

Gold Coast Titans signings to date:

Forwards: Michael Henderson (Dragons), Michael Hodgson (Raiders), Frank Puletua (Panthers), Luke Bailey (Dragons), Anthony Laffranchi (Tigers), Luke Swain (Panthers), Brad Meyers (Bradford), Nathan Friend (Storm), Luke O’Dwyer (Eels).

Backs: Steve Turner (Melbourne Storm) Preston Campbell (Panthers) Brian Carney (Newcastle) Matt Petersen (Eels) Scott Prince (Tigers) Richie Mathers (Rhinos) Josh Graham (Western Force).