Gold Coast are set to begin their pursuit for Storm hooker Brandon Smith, as Melbourne continue to sweat on the impending decision of Cameron Smith's career.
The Titans have freed up approximately $4 million in their salary, with the upcoming departures of Bryce Cartwright, Leilani Latu, Callum Watkins, Shannon Boyd, Ryan James and Jai Arrow.
Nathan Peats, Dale Copley and Tyrone Roberts will also be heading for the exit with the club not offering to re-sign the trio for 2021.
The Titans have already locked in David Fifita, Tino Faโasuamaleaui ย and Herman Ese'ese for 2021, with Gold Coast now turning their attention to Smith, according toย The Courier Mail.
Storm veteran Cameron Smith is yet to announce whether he will play on or retire at the end of the season, with gun pair Harry Grant and Smith's futures riding on the decision.
The New Zealand international would remain out-of-favour if Smith is to play on in 2021 while Harry Grant returns from his loan deal with Wests after a stealer 2020 season.
The Titans are set to explore available hookers in the upcoming off-season with Smith seen as one of the most likely to leave their current post.
Gold Coast recruitment manager Ezra Howe has known links with the Kiwi's test side and could play a major role in attracting Smith away from Victoria.
Titans coach Justin Holbrook continues to build a promising lineup for the future, with AJ Brimson, Jamal Fogarty and Ash Taylor all hitting their stride in 2020.
The Titans cut Cartwright's $450,000 contract on Thursday and now sit in a position to be major players in the upcoming open market.
โNow the Carty situation has been resolved itโs great for us and Bryce,โ Holbrook said.
โHe is a really good person so I hope everything works out for him.
โOur situation in terms of getting an extra spot to fill, the recruitment team will look into that over the next couple of weeks. It only got finalised the other day so weโll look into it now.
โIโm really happy with all the positions weโve got covered for now and next year.
โWeโll see where we need to add more depth over the next couple of weeks.
โOff the top of my head Iโm happy with where weโre at with the playing roster.โ
Holbrook acknowledged the lift in confidence within his playing group, stating his excitement with direction the club is moving.
โIโve noticed the players are getting on great and enjoying each otherโs company which helps,โ he said.
โYou hear that said a lot but itโs such an important part. Youโve got to enjoy who youโre playing with.
โAs coaches, Iโve noticed weโre not having to intervene as much during training on any part, whether itโs technical, tactical or an attitude point of view.
โThe players have been fantastic for a number of weeks now which makes our job easier.
โWeโre also wary that we donโt want to fall in love with ourselves. Weโre playing really good but weโve got to maintain that.โ
