Ex-local signs with Gold Coast Titans | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

Ex-Stratford resident James Stosic has broken into the Australian National Rugby League circuit by signing a two year contract with the Gold Coast Titans.

The Gold Coast's recruitment drive continued, with the new NRL club signing promising Cronulla prop James Stosic. The 24-year-old has been a revelation for the Sharks this season, playing in 10 matches and earning a starting position after initially replacing injured front rower Hutch Maiava.

"I am really excited, I have family on the south side of Brisbane and that was one of the main reasons for me, apart from the lifestyle," James said.

"On the professional side I am excited about the signings the Titans have made to date and am also keen to be coached by John Cartwright. Being away from New Zealand and having family just up the road in Brisbane is really important to me."

James retired from rugby league three years ago, but gave the sport another crack after an opportunity arose with the Newtown Jets Premier League Team.

Titans coach John Cartwright praised his work ethic. "He did it (broke through to NRL level) the tough way, playing premier league for Newtown then going to Cronulla. He was working as a brick labourer, coming home and going to training, arriving back home at 8 o'clock, going to bed, then getting up for work the next day to do the same all over. So he's done things the hard way and I like guys like that - they appreciate what football can offer them," said the Titans coach.

"I saw him play in the residents' game for NSW against Queensland last year and he was probably the best player on the field. That stuck in my memory bank and then I've watched him with interest this year and he's performed well.