Gold Coast chief executive Graham Annesley insists his club is not taking a big risk in luring Bryce Cartwright to the club on a four-year deal.
The Titans shocked the NRL on Saturday night when they confirmed the 23-year-old's services from Penrith until the end of 2021, the third player they have signed from the club this summer.
Cartwright's form fell away significantly at Penrith in 2017, his first year of a five-season deal signed alongside fellow ex-Panther Matt Moylan in September 2016.
But Annesley said Cartwright's link with his former under-20s coach, Garth Brennan, meant the the Titans weren't too concerned.
"He's still young and you do run the risk of players maintaining that form over a long period," Annesley told AAP.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"Garth has intimate knowledge of him he has that existing relationship and is very confident he'll get the best out of him here."
Cartwright managed just 14 games for Penrith last season as he battled leg and knee injuries. He started the season in the halves and back row before making his return through Brennan's reserve grade side and on the NRL bench.
Cartwright's exit from the Panthers isn't believed to be football-related, with off-field issues and media scrutiny in Sydney understood to have played a part in his departure.
The Panthers also have plenty of other options in the back row in Isaah Yeo, Corey Harawira-Naera and Trent Merrin, while James Maloney and Nathan Cleary are locked in the halves.
Regardless, Cartwright's move has the potential to help reignite the Titans following the loss of Jarryd Hayne.
Cartwright will have the chance to build a combination with young halves Ash Taylor and Kane Elgey. He's expected to feature at lock in Brennan's side.
"He's versatile, obviously able to play in the forward pack or at five-eighth," Annesley said.
