LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
New Gold Coast Titans coach Josh Hannay has reportedly made one of his first signings by attracting an outside back from his previous club, where he served as an assistant coach.
After declining offers from the St George Illawarra Dragons to extend his contract with the Cronulla Sharks through the 2026 NRL season, News Corp reports that Mawene Hiroti has chosen to leave the Sharks at the conclusion of his current contract.
Hiroti, who represents the Maori All Stars, is set to sign a two-year deal with the Gold Coast Titans for the 2027 and 2028 seasons as he departs the Sharks after next year's campaign.
Although he remains contracted to the Sharks for an additional year, it appears the team is unwilling to let him go early. This decision follows a long-term injury to New Zealand international winger Ronaldo Mulitalo, which has impacted their depth in the outside back positions.
Entering his seventh NRL season, Hiroti is anticipated to add significant experience to the Titans as they look to revamp their roster under Hannay. He is expected to fill the void left by departing players Brian Kelly and Phillip Sami.
Despite being in the league for over six years, the 26-year-old has only recorded 34 first-grade appearances, with five games for the Rabbitohs and 29 for the Sharks. Much of his career has been spent in reserve-grade football.