Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have pulled off a major coup with the signing of brilliant young Gold Coast Titans centre Brian Kelly.

The Sea Eagles fended off several NRL clubs and the Titans for his signature for 2018-19 and see him as a gilt edged investment for the future.

Sea Eagles Head of Football Bob Fulton spotted 20-year-old Kelly last season when looking at another Gold Coast youngster, Jed Cartwright – son of Manly Assistant Coach John Cartwright.

John Cartwright, the foundation coach of the Titans, said securing Kelly’s signature was massive for the Sea Eagles.

“Brian is a really powerful, fast kid, who can play full-back, wing, and centre. He has a similar build to Dylan Walker,’’ John said.

“Everyone up north has a huge opinion of him. It was never a case of thinking not if, but when, he will play NRL.”

Kelly was a part of the Titans 2016 Auckland Nines squad that reached the semi-finals. He scored 11 tries in 15 matches for the Titans in the NYC this season.

The Ballina Seagulls junior scored four tries for NSW in the U20s State of Origin win over Queensland in 2015 – a feat never achieved before in this age group.

Brian Kelly Profile

Name: Brian Kelly

Born: 20/05/1996

Junior Club: Ballina Seagulls, Lennox Head Dolphins

Position: Centre/Wing

Height: 182cm

Weight: 92kg

Rep Honours: NSW U 20’s Origin (2015).

Previous Clubs: Gold Coast Titans.