Can NRL switch save Titans discard’s career?

George Clarke |

Former Titans speedster Alofiana Khan-Pereira is out to recapture his best form with the Warriors.
Former Titans speedster Alofiana Khan-Pereira is out to recapture his best form with the Warriors.

New Warriors recruit Alofiana Khan-Pereira believes a trans-Tasman switch can reignite his career after falling out of favour under axed Gold Coast coach Des Hasler.

Khan-Pereira, who has a reputation as one of the most prolific wingers in the NRL with 53 tries in 54 games, is one of four new signings for Andrew Webster’s side.

The 24-year-old struggled to get game time under Hasler at the Titans last season and played just 10 NRL games.

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Alofiana Khan-Pereira made tryscoring a habit before struggling last year. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)

But Khan-Pereira is hoping that he can follow the trail blazed by former Gold Coast teammates Erin Clark and Tanah Boyd, who have established their careers in Auckland under Webster.

“I don’t blame anyone else, I look within myself to take accountability, I didn’t have the best season last year and there were a couple of injuries,” Khan-Pereira said.

“Being so negative, I didn’t want to bring that into this year and my main focus this year is to flush that and move on and I think I’m in a better headspace than I’ve ever been in.

“I’ve seen it in Tanah Boyd and Erin. Erin was (NRL) lock of the year and Nudge (Boyd) took out the Queensland Cup and was man of the match.

“They only inspire me to get something like that… I’m very excited because there’s a lot of competition around.”

Khan-Pereira will compete with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak for a starting wing berth.

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Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is one of two KIwi greats Khan-Pereira will be competng with for a start. (Andrew Cornaga/AAP PHOTOS)

He is one of four new faces at the Warriors that include winger Haizyn Mellars – son of journeyman centre Vince Mellars – Newcastle playmaker Jye Linnane and highly-rated English forward Morgan Gannon, 22.

Webster was an assistant coach at Hull KR where he coached Gannon’s father Jim and said the former Leeds forward could play back row or in the middle.

“Its good to have that versatility. We are stacked but I also believe he’s one for the future too,” Webster said.

“There’s no pressure on Morgan to come here and play round one but I’m sure with the way he’s tracking he’s going to put a lot of pressure on.”

The Warriors start their season on Friday March 6 with a home clash against the Sydney Roosters.

AAP