Cloud hangs over Hipgrave’s future
KEEGAN Hipgrave’s future at the Titans is becoming increasingly uncertain, with the unsigned enforcer in discussions with a rival club as an influx of forwards threaten his position at Gold Coast.
The Titans have confirmed 28 members of their top 30 squad for 2021 but Hipgrave is the only member of the 2020 squad to be designated as ‘unsigned,’ while released trio Dale Copley, Nathan Peats and Bryce Cartwright were instead declared 2021 losses.
The man who rejected the chance to become Paul Gallen’s long-term replacement at Cronulla in 2018 in order to stick with Gold Coast is now staring down the barrel of playing in the Intrust Super Cup in 2021 if he stays.
A club source said multiple teams had presented offers to the young forward as the Titans recruitment haul of David Fifita, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Herman Ese’ese, alongside the re-signing of Kevin Proctor, placed a premium on forward positions.
The clearance of their released players and the departures of Ryan James and Shannon Boyd has ensured cash is no issue for the Titans.
But Hipgrave’s time on the field will be hard-won in 2021, with rising star Beau Fermor and Sam Stone also competing for minutes in the most talented back-row unit the club has ever assembled.
Hipgrave said the contract process was “taking longer than I thought” but declined to comment further.
The 23-year-old’s manager Clinton Schifcofske denied rumours that Hipgrave had been offered to Super League clubs in September but this week would only confirm his client was in discussions.
Titans recruitment manager Ezra Howe has not returned messages.
Former NRL champion Ben Hannant expressed emphatic support for bringing Hipgrave back next season.
“Keegs is an asset to any squad – he’s definitely a first grade player,” the 245-game NRL veteran said.
“He’s a great character and he’s passionate about the Coast because he grew up here.
“I’d love to see him continue at the Titans but at the end of the day it comes down to the club and Keegs himself.
“If he decides to stay it means more competition which raises the level of the whole forward pack to the next level.
“Keegs will do everything in his power to put himself in the mix and his level of football will go up and others will too. It can only be a plus for the club to keep him around.”
Hipgrave rejected Cronulla’s overtures in 2018 and has recorded 40 appearances for the Titans since 2017.
Hipgrave’s injury history is a concern, having missed 24 matches in the past two seasons through injuries including multiple concussions.
His resilience in pushing through those injuries has reinforced his status as a cult hero among fans but growing depth could force Hipgrave out of the club in search of greater playing opportunities.
Hipgrave’s decision will influence the direction the club takes in filling their final two roster spots, with hooker and centre both in need of bolstering.