http://www.leagueunlimited.com/article.php?newsid=16756
Titans re-sign boom youngster
Written by:
Adam Gardini
August 6th, 2008 8:11pm
The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans have secured the services of one of the hottest prospects in the NRL after re-signing local talent Jordan Rankin until the end of 2011.
Rankin, who is currently representing the Australian Schoolboys in a series against teams from Great Britain and France, has agreed to a new three-year deal with the club.
The Palm Beach Currumbin High School student has emerged as a potential star of the future this season after being brought through the Titans development system.
Playing well above his age, the 16-year-old captained the Titans’ SG Ball (under-18) side to a finals appearance in their first season in the junior competition earlier this year and has since stepped up to play with the Titans’ NYC (under-20) side.
The Burleigh junior, who was initially recruited as a fullback but is being groomed as a halfback, is rated as having the potential to play first grade within the next 12 months.
Jetstar Titans managing director Michael Searle said the signing of Rankin to a long-term deal was a coup for the club.
“Jordan is clearly a great talent and his decision to re-sign with the Titans for the next three seasons is a significant one,’’ said Searle.
“Although he is just 16, he has shown great maturity in stepping up to SG Ball and NYC level. He is showing signs that it won’t be long before he is playing first grade for the Titans.
“This is a another great example of our young players coming through our system and remaining with the club to represent the city in the National Rugby League.”
Jetstar Titans coach John Cartwright said Rankin had the attributes to play first grade, provided his progress continued in the coming years.
“He’s definitely got the potential to play first grade down the track and it’s great news for the club that we’ve signed him up,’’ said Cartwright.
“He’s had a starring role with the Australian schoolboys, has been starring at Palm Beach Currumbin and has also played four or five games for our under-20s side and they haven’t lost a game while he’s been there either.’’
Rankin is still only in year 11 at Palm Beach Currumbin high school and said he had ambitions to break through in the NRL while he was still a student.
“It’s been a dream of mine to play for the Titans ever since they came into the competition,’’ said Rankin.
“I don’t think I was going to sign anywhere else even though other clubs had shown interest.
“One of my goals is to play NRL while I’m still at school.
“I feel there is the opportunity to do that with the Titans.’’
In other news, Jetstar Gold Coast Titans five-eighth Mat Rogers will miss Monday night's clash against Newcastle at Skilled Park after accepting an early guilty plea to a contrary conduct charge.
The charge, combined with carryover points from a previous offence, means Rogers will miss one match.
