Gold Coast have agreed to let Jai Arrow’s management receive offers from other NRL clubs in a bid to speed up negotiations with the in-demand forward.
Arrow is under contract for next season but the 24-year-old would be able to negotiate for 2021 and beyond with rival teams from November 1.
The Titans have tabled a multi-million dollar deal to keep the Queensland back-rower at the club beyond 2020 and he has repeatedly stated he wants to remain on the Coast.
Despite that the Titans have agreed to let other clubs make offers before the November date in a bid finalise Arrow’s future.
The move is aimed at preventing the contract situation dragging on for another couple of months but the Titans remain confident Arrow will agree a new deal at the club.
“We’re absolutely determined to keep him but clearly he’s had a lot of interest from other clubs,” Titans executive chairman Dennis Watt told AAP.
“His manager wants him to test the market but, as I said, we’re absolutely determined to keep him here and he’s made it clear he wants stay here as well.
“It’s an important contract and decision in his life but the thought was for his sake and for the club’s sake we just wanted to fast-track the whole process so it’s all behind him going into the new season.”
Arrow has emerged as one of the Titans’ most important players since his arrival from Brisbane at the end of 2017.
News of Arrow’s new negotiation status is sure to spark a bidding war for his services.
Up to eight clubs are reportedly set to bid for Arrow including Parramatta and Canterbury, who both have room to spare in their salary cap for 2021.