South Sydney have confirmed the worst kept secret in rugby league after announcing they have signed Queensland representative Jai Arrow on a four-year NRL deal from 2021.

The announcement seemingly ends Souths’ hopes of acquiring the 24-year-old in time for the 2020 campaign, with Gold Coast unwilling to release their star forward.

“We made Jai our very best offer, because we wanted him to stay. Ultimately, the decision to leave was made by Jai and his management, and while disappointed he will leave us at the end of the year, we respect the decision,” Titans chief executive Steve Mitchell said in a statement.