They may be preparing to roll the welcome mat out for Latrell Mitchell but the Gold Coast Titans still have Jai Arrow firmly in their sights.
The Titans are preparing to make a last-ditch play for Mitchell after Wests Tigers and North Queensland pulled out of the race for the disgruntled Sydney Roosters centre’s signature.
Gold Coast expect to meet with Mitchell “in the coming days”.
But the Titans have not given up hope on Arrow despite South Sydney reportedly set to table a $4 million long-term deal from 2021 to his manager on Wednesday.
It is believed Gold Coast are still quietly confident Arrow will remain at the Titans after the Queensland forward repeatedly indicated his preference was to stay.
The Titans have reportedly tabled an improved three-year, $1.8 million deal to his manager and are expecting a decision from the in-demand forward in the coming weeks.
Arrow – off contract in 2020 – will make a call after weighing up rival offers.
The Rabbitohs appear in the mix after News Corp Australia said Arrow had already met with South Sydney chief Shane Richardson, with coach Wayne Bennett claiming he wanted to be reunited with the 24-year-old having coached him at Brisbane.
The Rabbitohs believe Arrow is the ideal replacement for ex-skipper Sam Burgess, who was forced to retire due to injuries in 2019.
Arrow this week gave his strongest indication yet that he preferred to stay on the tourist strip, saying his dream was to win a premiership with the Titans.
“I’ve come out openly and said I’d love to stay, that was my priority from the start but I’m still waiting for everything to be put in front of me,” Arrow told the Beers ‘n’ Banter podcast.
“I’ve spoken to (new Titans coach) Justin (Holbrook) about it.
“I want to win a comp and what better way to do it than in my hometown?
“Imagine the party the Gold Coast would throw if we won a comp.
“On paper we have a strong a side as anyone in the comp.”
Arrow seemed bemused that his NRL future had made headlines.
“It’s crazy to think that I’m popping up in the newspapers with all these ‘contract sagas’,” Arrow said.
“It’s not a saga, it’s really nothing.
“I’m just waiting for him (manager) to get all that stuff done and have everything put in front of me and then I’ll make a decision.”
