Douglas departs the Titans

The Titans' popular iron-man front-rower Luke Douglas has accepted a three-year contract offer from the famous St Helens club in England and has played his last match for the Aquis Gold Coast Titans.

One of the most popular and respected players to wear the blue and yellow Gold Coast jersey, the 30-year-old has been released from the final year of his contract to take up the opportunity in Super League.

The Ken Stephen Medal winner of 2015 leaves the NRL having never missed a match through injury. He has played 261 NRL games, including 117 for the Titans and in 2015 was awarded the Paul Broughton Medal as the club's best player.

"I have loved my time at the Titans but this is an opportunity to get some security for three years and experience Super League at a famous and successful club like St Helens," Douglas said.

"The club has a great profile and stature in the game and I hope to be able to contribute to developing that wonderful culture.

"It's hard to leave the Titans and the Gold Coast where I have played five seasons. I'd like to thank the members and fans, and the whole community, for the way they have supported me.

"After a tough period the club is moving forward and it was great to finally play in the finals for the Titans this season. I think we have the squad to do that again next season."

St Helens legend and current head coach Keiron Cunningham said of Douglas, who will be in the UK later this month to represent Scotland in the Four Nations tournament against Australia, New Zealand and England:

"Luke is dynamic, tough running front-rower who will bring top-level NRL experience to our pack next season. His leadership will be important to our younger players too and we are delighted to secure his signature for the next three years."

Douglas holds the record for the most consecutive appearances in the NRL/ARL competition's 108-year history after playing 215 successive games from 2006 to 2014, a mark that will be very difficult for any player to surpass.