'Never got a message back': Saab breaks down while reminiscing on Titmuss friendship
Manly recruit Jason Saab has broken down while reminiscing on his friendship with late Sea Eagles player Keith Titmuss.
Titmuss, 20, died last week after collapsing at the end of a Manly training session.
The young forward's death rocked Manly and the wider NRL community, with the Sea Eagles giving players time off to mourn the loss of their young teammate.
Saab, who last week was granted a release by the Dragons to link-up with Manly, said he was in "denial" when he first heard the news of the death to his close friend.
"I just broke down. I couldn't believe it," he told Nine News.
"I was in so much denial and shock. It rocked me."
Manly recruit Jason Saab breaks down while reminiscing on his friendship with Keith Titmuss. Nine
The pair were so close that Saab admitted they had often spoken about playing together just before the Dragons granted the winger a release.
Reminiscing on the conversations with his late friend, an emotional Saab broke down and was reduced to tears when he revealed he messaged Titmuss, telling him he would be joining him at Manly just moments before the young star passed away.
"To have that feeling, it would've been so amazing to play footy and train with your best mate," he added.
"We always spoke about it. I messaged him that day and told him I'm going to be there next week.
"I never got a message back. I asked him how training was."
Jason Saab with Keith Titmuss. Nine
Saab said he hopes he can honour Titmuss as he begins the next chapter in his NRL career.
"I've got a reason to be there. Every morning I get to walk by Keith," he said.
"There's a hall of fame poster of him in the sheds.
"It feels right. I feel like it's scripted that I be there and play first grade and be that next Sea Eagles number next to him."
