UK rake’s price too high for the Titans

THE Titans have baulked at the asking price of Super League sensation Daryl Clark, leaving them to continue their hunt for a new No. 9.

It’s understood the Titans have aborted their pursuit of Clark after being stunned at the salary and terms he was seeking to leave England.

Reports from England this week suggested Clark was Gold Coast-bound in 2021, however that is not the case.

Titans figurehead Mal Meninga has made no secret of his desire to land a quality dummy-half next year, revealing an experienced No.9 was the Gold Coast’s chief recruitment target.

The Titans hoped to lure Melbourne star Brandon Smith to the Gold Coast, however the Storm would not release him without a big-name player trade occurring.

The Storm even asked the Titans to release former Melbourne gun Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to facilitate the Smith signing, which the Gold Coast rejected.

The Titans still have an eye on Smith for 2023 and beyond, but he is also being chased hard by Canterbury coach Trent Barrett.

The Smith impasse prompted the Titans to look at Clark, Warrington’s hooker and a former England Test player.

At 28, Clark boasts more than 270 games of first grade experience in England.

He was named the Super League’s Man of Steel – equivalent to the NRL’s Dally M Medal – in 2014 before touring Australia for the Four Nations.

The Titans made Clark an offer but were blown away by what he was seeking to head to Australia.

Clark not only wanted top dollar to head to the Gold Coast but was also seeking the security of a three-year deal.

Titans figures have not ruled out signing Clark, but he would have to dramatically lower his asking price for the club to entertain a deal.

At this stage, negotiations have hit a stalemate and not progressed.

The Titans have re-signed bench dummy-half Erin Clark for a further two years and starting hooker Mitch Rein is seeking a new contract.