Don in big demand
THE Titans are in danger of losing cult hero Anthony Don, with three Sydney clubs chasing the off-contract Gold Coast player of the year.
Don, who scored a double in the Titans’ 30-24 loss in Newcastle on Saturday to rack up his 10th try of the season, has become a fan favourite on the Coast after making his NRL debut for the club at 25 following a miraculous rise from the Grafton Ghosts.
The cut-price winger has been the Titans’ best value player over the past few years as the club splashed out on marquee flops and has worked diligently to become one of the league’s most reliable finishers.
The Titans have made an offer to extend Don’s stay on the Gold Coast but it’s understood the Bulldogs, Sharks and Rabbitohs have also expressed interest, leaving him with a tough decision.
It’s understood all clubs have offered a two-year deal, which will take Don through to the end of the 2020 season when he is about to turn 33.
But the money on the table from the Titans is understood to be less than the $180,000 he is currently on, leaving him open to poaching
by rivals willing to stump up more than the Gold Coast.
While he does not have the pace of some of the league’s best flankers, Don has been one of the Titans’ most reliable players in recent years, culminating in a breakout 2017 season that led to a NSW Country representative spot and Gold Coast player of the year honours.
He has also become a cult figure during that time.
“Is Don. Is Good,” is the favourite refrain of commentators, while fans have set up an Anthony Don Appreciation Page on Facebook, which has almost 1400 followers. The Titans are comfortable with their offer given Don’s age and injury history, which includes four shoulder surgeries, but losing the Grafton product would be a major blow, especially with local products Kane Elgey and Karl Lawton leaving the club this season.
Don could make a decision on his future as early as this week. Money may not be the deciding factor for the former schoolteacher though, with Don telling the Bulletin earlier this season his preference was to stay put.
“I’ve always preferred to stay on the Gold Coast, so I’ve gone to the club and seen where they were at and get something done pretty quickly. But we’re in an industry where you can get moved on quickly, so you’ve got to be open to the idea of moving.”