sport, local-sport, Newcastle Knights, Beau Fermor, Beau Fermor quits Knights, Adam O'Brien, Gold Coast Titans

Boom young backrower Beau Fermor has quit the Knights with the club reluctantly granting him a release to join the Gold Coast Titans on a three year deal. Regarded as one of the club's rising stars, Fermor is yet to make his NRL debut but was expected to be pushing for selection this season after being promoted into the Knights' top 30 roster at the end of 2019. But in a shock move, the 21-year-old approached coach Adam O'Brien and asked to be released from the final year of his contract because of a greater opportunity and pathway at the Titans and to be closer to family in Queensland. It's understood the Titans deal is worth around double the money he would have earned at the Knights if he stayed. But family was also a major consideration in his decision to seek a release. "He's got a three year deal at the Titans for considerably more money than he is on here but the big thing for Beau and his partner was the chance to move back closer to family," O'Brien told the Newcastle Herald. "He's a great young guy with plenty of up-side as a footballer who we obviously wanted to keep here. But when he comes in and tells you he wants to go up there because they are both missing family and he's got the added security of a three year contract at the Titans, I'm not someone who is going to stand in his way." Fermor has been at the Knights for the past two seasons after the club lured him away from the Melbourne Storm. In his first season in Newcastle in 2018, he was the NSWRL and Knights Jersey Flegg player of the year and featured in a Queensland Origin Under 20's side that defeated the NSW Blues. He earned an NRL development contract for 2019 and was among the club's best in the NSW Cup competition before he ruptured his ACL towards the back end of last season, robbing him of his chance to make his NRL debut. He is almost fully recovered following a knee reconstruction and was expected to push the likes of Sione Mata'utia, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Aidan Guerra and Mitch Barnett for a spot in the backrow in 2020. Ironically, he is the second Newcastle backrower to link with the Gold Coast in the space of seven months with Sam Stone signing a Titans deal prior to June 30 last year after being released. Fermor's sudden departure leaves the club with three spots open in their senior roster. Hooker Danny Levi's move to Manly last week created a new vacancy but that was quickly filled by the promotion of young forward Jirah Momoisea. Momoisea has re-signed with the club for a further two seasons. Two of the three remaining positions must be filled before the season kicks off on March 14 but the final spot can be kept open until June 30. # The Knights have confirmed their final trial game before the season kicks off will be against defending premiers Sydney Roosters at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday, February 29. Tickets went on sale to members on Tuesday with the general public able to purchase them from Ticketek from 1 pm Wednesday or at the ground on the day. The clubs will meet in three grades with the NRL clash to kick off at 7 pm. The Roosters will take on St Helens in the World Club Challenge in England on February 22 but most of their stars are tipped to back up in the trial a week later. While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here IN NEWS TODAY

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