On the search for a coach, the Gold Coast have been given a massive boost with talismanic lock Jai Arrow declaring he wants to remain at the club beyond 2020.
Contracted to the Titans until the end of next season, other NRL clubs are already circling the Maroons workhorse although they cannot make any official approaches until November 1.
Led by rugby league Immortal Mal Meninga, the Titans are desperate to keep Arrow and sign the 24-year-old to a new long-term deal before he goes on the open market.
Match: Titans v Storm
Round 18 -
home Team
Titans
16th Position
away Team
Storm
1st Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
An unabashed fan of deposed coach Garth Brennan, Arrow is touted for leadership honours in the not-too-distant future and confirmed his intention to remain on the Gold Coast.
"To be honest, I have only spoken to my manager once and that was about negotiating with the Titans again," Arrow said.
"I’ve had a few of my family members ring me from down south and told me that there was a lot of speculation about where I was going to sign or re-sign.
"I guess it’s a good thing that there are clubs out there that want me; it would be worse if no one wanted me.
"I’m happy here on the Coast, it’s my home town. I grew up here and pretty much lived here my whole life and I would love to stay."
Bennett: Titans should stay put
Originally hoping to return from an ankle injury in next week’s local derby against the Broncos, Arrow said that he is likely to err on the side of caution and line up against the Roosters in round 20.
"I don’t want to rush it because it’s probably the most major injury I’ve had," Arrow said leading into Sunday's stoush with the Storm.
"I don’t want to go out there at 80 or 90 per cent. I’d rather play at 100 per cent and play consistent footy for the rest of the year."
Fellow former Bronco Dale Copley said the retention of Arrow was a key piece of a successful Titans franchise in future.
"He’s an important part of this football club," Copley said. "He possesses all the traits that you build a successful group on.
"Everyone can see how he plays the game. He’s hard, he’s tough and there’s no rubbish about him.
"Hopefully he’s locked up long-term, because he’s one of the best locks in the game and a real important part of this club moving forward."
Due to make his return from a blood disorder on Sunday, veteran fullback Michael Gordon echoed the sentiments of Copley in keeping Arrow at the club.
"He’s a great player, an Origin player," Gordon said. "It’s a big signing, and you don’t want to lose him."
