Storm stalwart Proctor signs four-year Titans deal

Omnisports

November 2, 2016 8:37 AM

After nine impressive seasons in the NRL with Melbourne Storm, New Zealand forward Kevin Proctor has signed a four-year contract with Gold Coast Titans.

Gold Coast Titans have pulled off a significant coup by capturing New Zealand second-row Kevin Proctor from NRL runners-up Melbourne Storm.

Proctor, who played 179 matches for the Storm over nine seasons and was part of the 2012 premiership-winning side, had been heavily linked with a close-season move to the Titans.

And he has now signed a four-year deal with Neil Henry's side, after Melbourne reluctantly agreed to release him from his contract so he could return to the Gold Coast - where he grew up - for family reasons.

In a statement announcing Proctor's departure, the Storm labelled the 27-year-old "one of the club's greatest servants".

Storm football director Frank Ponissi said: "KP has been a massive part of our football club over the last nine years. He set an example for the rest of the playing group with his work ethic and relentless approach to seeing this club succeed.

"KP is extremely popular with our staff and playing group and the influence he has had on our younger players will no doubt help them step in to fill his position within the team.

"While we would have loved to have seen him play the remainder of his career in the purple jersey, we understand the opportunity for both him and his young family to return home to the Gold Coast.

"We wish both Kevin, his partner Leesa and their daughters the best of luck for the next chapter of their lives, they will always be welcome here as a part of the Storm family."

Proctor said: "This is a great opportunity to return home to the Gold Coast with my young family to be closer to all of our family.

"To leave Storm was an incredibly tough decision, I have some great memories and made some lifelong friends.

"It has been a long process and I needed to feel comfortable with the decision as I have had a successful time at the Melbourne Storm and made some great friends, but now I am looking forward to joining Neil and the Titans players and contributing to the team's success."

Gold Coast head coach Henry added: "As a seasoned international, Kevin will provide some real spark in attack and the kind ofÂ toughness in defence that every club needs."

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