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Holbrook says Rabbitohs-bound Arrow staying put in 2020

Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook has reaffirmed his club's intention for Rabbitohs-bound forward Jai Arrow to see out the final year of his Titans contract.

A day after Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson says his club is exploring the possibility of getting Arrow to Redfern by the start of the 2020 season, Holbrook said no offers had been made.

On Monday the Rabbitohs announced a four-year deal for Arrow, starting in 2021.

"Not that I'm aware of ... obviously we've only just come back to training but from my point of view we're planning as if he's playing here this season so that's the only thing I'll worry about," Holbrook said after Titans training on Tuesday.

"I'm one of many at the club that said we wanted him to stay. It was a hard decision for him and he's made the decision that he thinks is best for himself.

Titans forward Jai Arrow.
Titans forward Jai Arrow. ©Scott Davis/NRL Photos

"He's a really good guy – I'm disappointed he's not staying but we've got to move on. He's part of this season, then we'll worry about 2021.

"Obviously with him not staying we'll be on the lookout for other players."

Prior to confirmation Arrow is on the way out, the Titans announced they had signed young Storm forward Tino Fa'asuamaleaui for three years from 2021.

"He's a great signing for us," Holbrook said on Tuesday.

"Similar to Jai, we've got him [arriving] in 2021 so we've got to park this year with Tino … similar to what Souths are doing with Jai.

"Tino is already a great young player and will be a great asset for our club."

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Pressed on whether a direct swap with Rabbitohs, Queensland and Australia centre-winger Dane Gagai had been mooted as a sweetener to release Arrow earlier, Holbrook again played a straight bat.

"We haven't had any specific player been mentioned to us," he said.

"I know there's been a lot of talk around, and that will probably continue over the next few weeks. I don't know if that will go away in the short-term and I don't know the answer.

"From my point of view I've got Jai here for this season and that's what I'm planning on. And if anything happens elsewhere I don't know that at this stage."

As for other speculation on the landing place for Roosters two-time premiership winner Latrell Mitchell, Holbrook said he was "unlikely" he would be coming to the Titans.

"I haven't spoken to Latrell. I know Mal [Meninga] had spoken to him a number of weeks before Christmas. But I don't think we've spoken to him again as a club – so I'd say unlikely."

Holbrook: Brimson an important signing

Holbrook's focus now is to prepare his team for the Nines (February 14-15) and their one trial against another NRL club, the Broncos (February 29).

He is also monitoring Ash Taylor's return to full physical and mental health, after a stop-start season in 2019 where he managed just 10 games.

"I've been really happy with Ash straight away," Holbrook said.

"He's been applying himself well to everything he's done with his training. We all know how talented he is but you've got to work hard. Along with the others, he's going very well.

"I made it clear I'm here to help him and I want him to play as good as he can just as much as everyone else does.

"It's my job to help him achieve that but he's got help himself and he's doing that, and doing it really well."

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Queensland Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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