PICK ‘EM WHILE THEY’RE DOWN

The Titans have no coach and sit at the bottom of the NRL ladder ... now rivals want their best player

GOLD Coast’s sorry NRL season could soon hit a new low as three Sydney NRL rivals prepare to launch a pursuit of Maroons star Jai Arrow.

In the same week the Titans axed coach Garth Brennan, key forward Arrow has become a priority target for Parramatta, Canterbury and Wests Tigers – even though they can’t make a play for him until he becomes a free agent from November 1.

Currently injured, the 24-year-old has at times carried the Titans this season, leaving Gold Coast understandably desperate to nail down Arrow to a new deal.

Insiders claim Arrow would be worth between $700,000 and $800,000 a season.

Gold Coast have started negotiations with Arrow for a threeto four-year extension to his contract – but they would want to get in quickly.

THE besieged Titans could be set for their biggest disappointment yet with three Sydney rivals chasing their best player.

Western Sydney has emerged as the $3.2 million battleground for Queensland State of Origin star Jai Arrow.

The front-rower, who is off contract at the Titans after next season, has become a priority target for Parramatta, Canterbury and Wests Tigers – even though they can’t make a play for him until he becomes a free agent from November 1.

Arrow, 24, debuted for the Maroons last year played in Origin I at Suncorp Stadium before a syndesmosis injury ruled him out of Games Two and Three.

Gold Coast are understandably desperate to nail down Arrow to a new contract but he is a man in demand.

Manly will also be keeping an eye on his contract developments given he is off contract at the same time as Sea Eagles prop Marty Taupau.

Parramatta and the Tigers have heavily discussed Arrow in recent weeks, while Canterbury’s only concern is what he is likely to fetch on the open market. Insiders claim Arrow would be worth between $700,000 and $800,000 a season.

Gold Coast have started negotiations with Arrow for a three-to four-year extension to his contract.

Arrow played with Brisbane in 2016 and 2017 before a shock switch to Gold Coast.

This week’s sacking of Titans head coach Garth Brennan has muddied the waters in regards to retaining Arrow.

He and his management team want to know who will be coaching Gold Coast before recommitting to the club.

The pressure is building on Titans head of performance and culture Mal Meninga to get the deal done but one prominent NRL coach said: “Arrow will leave Gold Coast. Why would he want to stay there? This will be a massive test for Mal. The Titans can’t afford to lose him. They will try to get him done as soon as possible.”

The embattled Gold Coast know it’s imperative to re-sign Arrow, who has become a jewel in their playing roster.

The Titans are continuing their search for a new coach, and among the top contenders is UK-based Australian Justin Holbrook.

Titans officials have contacted Holbrook, who has an 80 per cent success rate with St Helens in the British Super League.

Craig Fitzgibbon and Anthony Griffin are other strong candidates. Some at the Titans want Meninga to switch roles and coach the club.

In the meantime, Brennan’s assistants Craig Hodges and Luke Burt will take the reins as co-coaches.