Gold Coast offers could destroy one courageous Titan
December 1st 2008 08:19
The Gold Coast Titans must have deep pockets in regards to their efforts to lure star hookers Robbie Farah or Cameron Smith to the sunshine state. But it could have a detrimental effect to one of their most consistent players.
In just their second off season, the Titans are already planning for big things come 2009, and that means luring one of two of the best dummy halves in the competition.
Although no Titans supporter can blame this stance on things, spare a thought for current Gold Coast hooker Nathan Friend.
He was a feeder to Smith at the Melbourne Storm at the start of his career, and he went to the Titans to get more game time.
Indeed that is what he has gotten at the Gold Coast, with Friend now becoming an integral part of the side, with his high tackle counts and consistent quality out of dummy half.
But now he faces a new threat to his football career if the Titans get their way.
If either Farah or Smith make their way to the sunshine state next season, Friend will most definitely find himself on the bench at minimum.
Even though one cannot deny the match turning effects of either Farah or Smith, Friend does not deserve to sit on the sidelines for the majority of an NRL contest.
The Titans hooker really does give it his all for the team and has become one of John Cartwright's favourite players to work with over the last couple of seasons.
But despite his effort and form over the past year, Friend will be one of the few Titans sitting at home in the off season, pleading that the Gold Coast opt for his services rather than ones that have accomplished far more than he has.
However, there is some light at the end of the tunnel for Friend.
The Melbourne Storm have stated that they will not go into a bidding war with the Gold Coast for Smith's signature.
Despite the pay packet the Titans are willing to offer, Smith is more likely to stay in Melbourne - a club in which he won a Grand Final with in 2007.
Those news down Melbourne way will be a welcome relief for Friend, but he now has to hope that Farah stays with the Wests Tigers.
The Tigers are under pressure to keep stars Benji Marshall and Farah due to salary cap restrictions.
Farah has stated that he wants to test his value on the market to see if an enticing offer is thrown his way.
Farah has not had to wait long for an offer from the Titans, and they indeed may not have to wait long for a reply.
For Friend however, he just hopes that Farah says no. For the sake of his career at the Gold Coast.
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