Queensland Under-20s backrower Beau Fermor will join the Titans immediately ahead of the 2020 NRL season, after being granted an immediate release from the Newcastle Knights to take up a three-year deal with the Gold Coast.

Originally from Dalby, west of Brisbane, the 21-year-old has been with the Knights for the past two seasons – picking up that club’s awards for the NSW Rugby League and Jersey Flegg player of the year in 2018.

That same year, he represented the Maroons Under-20s in the backrow, playing alongside AJ Brimson and 2021 Titan Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.

In 2019, he was selected in the backrow for the NSW Residents team.

Fermor was pushing for an NRL debut last season with the Knights, but had his season prematurely ended by a knee reconstruction.

He was member of the Knights’ top-30 squad for 2020, and expected to play first grade once back on the field, but has instead taken the opportunity offered by the Titans to return to Queensland.

“While it is unfortunate we won’t get to see Beau on the field straight away because of his knee injury, he certainly brings a lot of upside and a lot of talent to the Titans’ roster,” Head of Performance and Culture Mal Meninga said.

“Beau is an exciting prospect, as evidence by the fact he is on the radar with the Queensland selectors. He will bring depth to our playing pool, but just as importantly, he is a respectful young man who fits in with the culture of the Gold Coast Titans.

“Beau will come straight into our top-30 NRL squad. He is well ahead of schedule in his recovery from knee surgery, and we look forward to him pushing for a first grade debut in the early rounds of the 2020 season.”