Burgess relief could see Arrow leave

TITANS star Jai Arrow could be at South Sydney within weeks after the NRL yesterday approved a $3.6 million salary cap windfall for the Rabbitohs.

The NRL ruled the remaining three years of Sam Burgess’ $1.2 million-a-season contract will not be included in South Sydney’s salary cap after the English star was forced into retirement by a shoulder injury.

The Burgess ruling has opened the door for South Sydney to formally table a four-to-five year contract to Arrow worth $800,000 annually, beginning in the 2021 NRL season.

Arrow, 24, is off contract at the end of the 2020 season, however if he accepts South Sydney’s offer it is possible he could be released from the final year of his Gold Coast deal to join the Rabbitohs immediately.

The Burgess decision has freed up enough space in South Sydney’s cap for the club to accommodate the immediate arrival of Arrow.

Arrow is likely to make a decision on his future next week and he has also received significant interest from Wests Tigers in recent days.

Meanwhile Titans coach Justin Holbrook is set to land his first signing in former

Broncos winger Jonus Pearson. Pearson is poised to leave the Dragons and ink a twoyear deal with the Titans immediately.

He will become Holbrook’s first addition to the Titans’ playing roster since he joined the club from St Helens.

Pearson, 24, came through Brisbane’s lower grades and Redcliffe, playing 11 NRL games for the Broncos from 2016-18. He played 10 NRL games for St George Illawarra late last season.

The Titans have five spots to fill in their top 30 squad for next year and must secure four signings before March 1.