https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl/tigers-and-sharks-lead-pack-in-hunt-to-lure-jai-arrow-from-titans/news-story/cd85cee0b169d002010dc93660270f7e
Wests Tigers and Cronulla are among half a dozen NSW clubs ready to test Jai Arrow’s resolve to remain on the Gold Coast as they prepare offers that are likely to make the Titans and Queensland backrower among the highest-paid forwards in the game.
Newcastle, who are Gold Coast’s opponents at Hunter Stadium today, are also expected to enter the equation as Arrow weighs up his future, having been granted permission by the Titans to head to market early.
The Queensland forward has another year remaining on his current deal but under the game’s contract rules, is free to begin talking to rivals when he enters the final year of his contract on November 1.
However, 24-year-old Arrow is keen to bring the matter to a head before then and the Titans were happy to accommodate him, having already tabled an extension reportedly worth upwards of $2.9 million from 2021.
That deal would make Arrow one of the richest forwards in the game but the expectation is that he could become even wealthier should he decide to entertain offers from south of the Queensland border.
The Sharks and Tigers are both carrying salary cap sanctions at the moment but will have those millstones removed from their necks in time for the 2021 season, when Arrow could potentially move to Sydney.
Sharks head of football Phil Moss knows Arrow from his time at the Titans and also has a relationship with the forward’s family from his days with Wentworthville, where he knew Arrow’s uncle.
It is understood Tigers head of football Adam Hartigan also knows Arrow and while their salary cap is tight now, they have room to manoeuvre from 2021 and could meet the Gold Coast forward as early as next week as they look to steal a march on their rivals.
The Tigers are also believed to be monitoring Arrow’s Titans teammate AJ Brimson, who is off contract at the end of next season and free to speak to rivals from November 1.
The Knights are arguably in the best position from a salary cap perspective, with only eight players under contract for 2021 and beyond.
Canterbury and Parramatta are also monitoring the situation but all the clubs in the mix must also juggle uncertainty over the salary cap from 2023.
The current broadcasting agreement runs until the end of 2022 and there is every chance the next deal could go backwards, which would have a negative impact on the salary cap.
Clubs will need to be careful balancing their books, although there seems little doubt Arrow would be worth the investment given his performances for both club and state over the past two years.
His potential exit would be a sledgehammer blow to the Titans and incoming coach Justin Holbrook, who wants to build his team around the 24-year-old.
The Bulldogs have been among the most active clubs in the player market in recent weeks but suffered another setback yesterday when Manly hooker Api Koroisau confirmed he would join Penrith next season.
Koroisau was given permission to negotiate by the Sea Eagles despite having two years remaining on his existing deal.
It was thought Canterbury had been favoured to secure his signature but Koroisau eventually plumped for Penrith, informing his teammates of his decision yesterday morning. The Sea Eagles are likely to use the money they save on Koroisau to retain the Trbojevic brothers — Jake and Tom.
“I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to bring Api back to the club,” Penrith coach Ivan Cleary said.
“I had a high opinion of Api when I coached him previously and his game has only continued to develop in recent years.
“He’s a man of good character and will provide valuable experience and leadership for our young squad moving forward.”
