Gold Coast have released backs Albert Kelly and Maurice Blair to take up the opportunity to play together as halves for Hull KR in the English Super League.
The two players, who had a year remaining on their Titans contracts, have signed two-year deals with the English club to replace Australian halves of 2014 who were recently released, Travis Burns and Kris Keating.
Kelly, 23, played 10 matches for the Titans in 2014 and Blair, who turned 30 on Thursday, 15 games.
“They were given a rare opportunity to play together as halves by Hull KR who were looking to fill their halfback and five-eighth positions and they get the security of two-year deals,” said Titans head coach Neil Henry.
“We feel we have good depth in the halves with some exciting prospects coming through so we agreed to allow Albert to take this opportunity in the Super League, and at 30 Maurice has the chance to extend his career which we are also happy to accommodate. We wish them both great success over there.
“It also gives us more flexibility in our salary cap management and provides the opportunity to go into the market should suitable players become available.”
Kelly said he will miss the support of the Titans and the fans but it is a great opportunity for him to resurrect his career.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling as I’ve made some great friends on the Gold Coast and love the club,” he said.
“I’d like to thank Hull KR for the opportunity to test myself in a new brand of footy and I can’t wait to be part of such a great club.”
Gold Coast are hoping Holden Cup player of the year, halfback Kane Elgey, and 19-year-old Christian Hazard, among others, will push to fill the void left by the departing pair.
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