Titans star Jai Arrow has declared that winning a premiership is his main priority when choosing which team he will sign with.
Off-contract at the end of 2020, the 24-year old is free to sign with rivals from November 1.
A number of clubs have already reportedly come calling with offers worth north of $900,000 per season, but Arrow says money will not be the deciding factor in his decision.
โObviously you only have a short term to make money but the ultimate prize and goal is to win a comp,โ Arrow told AAP.
โThatโs solely what I want to do and thatโs where I have to look.โ
While that would seemingly rule Gold Coast out of the race to sign him, Arrow insists that the club has a promising future.
โI moved to Brisbane obviously and then got the opportunity to come back down, which I was very happy to do. It kickstarted my career,โ he said. โAt the end of the day, the ultimate goal is to win a comp and thatโs what I want.
โ(But) with the squad weโve got here and individual players we have, I think we can do that. Itโs just going to take some time to turn it into team performances.โ
He added: โIโve come out openly and said Iโm happy on the Gold Coast, itโs my home town. I canโt thank them enough for the opportunities that theyโve given me,โ he said
โI come down from Brisbane not knowing whether Iโd be in the team one week. โComing down and being an Origin player, Iโve got to look at that as well. I consider myself a loyal guy.
โBut at the end of the day, Iโve got to do whatโs best for myself and my partner.โ
And best part is Roosters won’t need to move anyone on. Fit under cap for next year. Only 900K
As he is a QLD boy I doubt he wants to be playing for Souths or Roosters plus they already have their locks. The cowboys have Taumalolo so thatโs a no for them and Brisbane has no salary cap space and already loves Pangai Lodge and Fifita.
I know itโs an odd suggestion but the storm have Christian Welch who has been rumoured at leaving the storm for offers of about 500/600k. If they let him walk, release Kata and Walters maybe they play make a play at Arrow for about 700k. If they require another little bit more maybe they let Cam Smith Walk. It would free up the salary cap at the club, let Brandon Smith start and all of a sudden you move into the future with a solid core of Hughes, Pappy, Munster, Smith, Arrow and others.
8. Bromwich
9. Smith
10. Finucane
11. Bromwich
12. Kaufusi
13. Arrow
14. Smith
15. NAS
16. Faasuamaleaui
17. Kamikamica
18. Vete/King/Eisenhuth
Don’t think the Storm would be interested. They seem to search out wasted talent, journeymen and kids and develop them rather than look for an established player where they have to compete with other clubs. Arrow seems to have a bit of what it takes at Melbourne so you never know, if he is willing to take a hit in the pocket for a genuine chance then I could be wrong.
EdithFrank..
Obviously you can’t see the talented forwards that Brisbane are lining up. They have an endless line of them & backs from all over Queensland to choose from. Only the halves have held them back. More experience for a couple of them & Brisbane will win it.
However, they don’t need him.
No way Nuggets could afford another expensive player either.
Does he want to go to Melboune?
So interesting to see where he dies go?
Really only 4- 5 teams in the hunt over the next 3-5 years
Storm – never far away as long as Bellamy can manipulate the rule book
Roosters – maybe as a prop in place of Liu/JWH, but doubtful as they are chic full of cheap talent (obviously has to be cheap with the backs they have)
Raiders – could get in, but plays the same role as Papali, and wouldโve a prop not lock
Manly – all prop/lock spots full
Parra – as much a chance to win big as they are to get spoon
Broncos – no backward steps
Sharks – choc full of talent but no cohesion yet.
Rabbits – bottom 8 team next year
The rest are just making up numbers.
He doesnโt have many options past Canberra or eels in my thoughts.