Jonah Lomu Coming to League - Again

The word in the NRL is that new Queensland franchise Gold Coast Titans have lined up New Zealand Rugby Union legend Jonah Lomu on a one-year contract.






Not for the first time, the All Black winger has been linked with a move to the 13-a-side code. The powerful back, who has 73 International caps, has previously been linked with (the then) Auckland Warriors in the NRL, Wigan, Wakefield and a dual-code deal with Leeds Rhinos and Tykes.

Will this signing be good for the Titans though? For next season Gold Coast will already have Brian Carney, Steve Turner, Jake Webster and Matt Peterson on it's books for next year at 31 years of age, Lomu's best days are probably behind him, before you begin to factor in his health issues which stem back to 1996 and led to a Kidney transplant in 2004.

Since then, Lomu has struggled for fitness. He has appeared for North Harbour and Cardiff Blues but has been dogged by injuries and fitness concerns and missed out on a Super 14 contract for next year, effectively ending his 2007 World Cup hopes.

So from a playing side, it would appear the offering would be minimal. However, one suspects that this signing could be much more beneficial for the men in the marketing office at Carrara Stadium.
Lomu is a name recognised the World over, even by non-rugby enthusiasts. His game style and personality has earned him fans wherever he has played and even though fans remain from the days of the Chargers, the Titans looking to build up a fan base from scratch and there are few better names than that of Jonah Lomu to help shift season tickets.

If the deal does come off, don't expect to see much of Lomu on the field, but there will be plenty of opportunities for Titan's fans to see him off it.