Cap woes could force Mbye out
MOSES Mbye’s manager says the Queensland Origin utility will consider a move to the Titans if he is squeezed out of the Wests Tigers.
The Tigers are assessing their salary-cap situation as they explore ways to potentially retain star hooker Harry Grant, on loan from the Storm, and Mbye has been identified as a possible big-money casualty.
Mbye is on $815,000 this season and is contracted to the Tigers until the end of 2022, but the Maroons ace has been rocked by reports the club is prepared to subsidise a release to free-up room under the salary cap.
A prospective move to the Titans would be a good fit for Mbye. The 26-year-old is a Noosa Pirates junior and has previously spoken about one day returning home to finish his NRL career in Queensland.
Mbye’s agent, Simon Mammino, says he has not had a formal approach from the Titans, but is prepared to open discussions with the Gold Coast as a contingency.
“Moses is a Queensland boy so he would definitely consider coming home to play for the Titans,” Mammino said.
“We’ve had no approach from the Titans, but if the Tigers have a salary-cap issue and want to move Moses on, he will be professional and explore all options.
“At the moment, he is under contract to the Tigers for two more years. He is very happy captaining the club and has no intention of leaving, so this certainly isn’t being driven by Moses, myself or the Titans.”
The Titans have bolstered their pack for next season by signing David Fifita, Herman Ese’ese and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, and Mbye could bring experience to their backline.