NRL's Verrills signs with Gold Coast

Brandon Smith's impending arrival at the Roosters spelt trouble for Verrills, who was a member of the side's 2019 premiership victory.

Verrills has been the Roosters' first-choice hooker since the retirement of Jake Friend but looked unlikely to usurp Smith to starting duties, given the new recruit's lucrative contract.

Verrills, 23, is a significant acquisition for the Titans, who have struggled to attract a top-quality hooker in recent seasons.

The Titans' spine has worn the brunt of blame for their poor performance this season but coach Justin Holbrook will hope the additions of Verrills and veteran five-eighth Kieran Foran can help turn things around.

"When you add those two players to our mix of exciting young players who have come through our pathway programs here on the Coast like AJ Brimson, Jayden Campbell and Toby Sexton, we're really confident with the squad we are building for next year and beyond," Holbrook said.

"Sam has great vision and is a real threat from that hooker position."

With the Roosters' finals hopes still hanging in the balance, Verrills said his immediate focus was finishing the season strongly.

"While it's good to have my future sorted, my only focus right now is on continuing to work hard and play my role for the Roosters for the rest of the season," he said.

Australian Associated Press