Sport

Friend now foe

11:26 am on 31 July 2015

The Warriors hooker Nathan Friend is returning to the Gold Coast Titans for the 2016 National Rugby League season having signed a one-year deal with the club.

Friend has been with the Warriors for the past four years but turned down a new offer from the club earlier this month saying he didn't want to be play second string to new signing Isaac Luke, who is joining the Warriors from South Sydney.

The 34-year-old was a foundation player at Gold Coast and said 2016 would be his final year in the NRL.

Warriors hooker Nathan Friend. Photo: Photosport

"I'm really looking forward to returning to the Coast and making a contribution to the Titans, and hopefully playing a leading role in better times ahead," Friend said.

"I have great memories from my five seasons with the Titans, including twice getting to the finals, and I'd love to be a part of getting there again.

"Hopefully my experience and determination can be of value and I can help the club move in the right direction."

Friend has played 215 NRL games for the Broncos, Titans and Warriors since his debut for Brisbane in 2002.

He made 100 appearances for the Titans from 2007-11.