The Obstruction Rule

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Latest Gold Coast Titans News

Dragons, Titans chasing Oates

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It’s somewhat unusual these days for a representative star to finish his contract without his next one lined up, but that’s exactly what Corey Oates has done.

With the Broncos eliminated, Oates now must turn his attention to where he’ll play in 2019, and it’s looking decreasing likely that it’ll be in Brisbane.

According to the Courier-Mail, Oates has confirmed that he’s received interest from the Dragons and Titans, while adding that he “wouldn’t want to re-sign with the Broncs of Wayne’s not there”.

With coach Wayne Bennett no certainty to return next year, that naturally brings Oates’ future at the club into question.

If there’s a positive for the Broncos, it’s that Bennett’s future may not be clarified for some time, but Oates will surely want to sign a contract sooner rather than later. If he stays on the assumption that Bennett will remain, then what Bennett ultimately does is probably irrelevant.

Oates has played 120 first grade games for the Broncos, and 5 Origins for Queensland.

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Peachey requests release from Titans deal, Titans say ‘no’

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It’s been rumoured for a while, but today it became official: Panthers utility Tyrone Peachey wants out from his contract with the Titans.

According to a report on nrl.com, Peachey has instructed his manager to request a release on compassionate grounds, because his wife is pregnant with their second child, and he doesn’t want to uproot his family from Western Sydney.

Unfortunately for Peachey, it mightn’t be that easy.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the Titans have politely refused Peachey’s request (admittedly, we added the ‘politely’), with Titans CEO Graham Annesley saying “You could imagine if the situation was reversed… how well would that go down?” (We’re speculating, but you’d imagine that if the situation were indeed reversed and Annesley’s employer refused his resignation and forced him to stay against his will for three years, that he’d probably be unimpressed; but that’s obviously not the “reversed situation” he had in mind.)

The situation gets even messier, with Peachey expressing his preference to remain with the Panthers, who’ve previously stated that they have no room left for him in the salary cap.

Admittedly, they’ve since released second-rower Corey Harawira-Naera, but it’s doubtful that his money would get close to satisfying an Origin star such as Peachey.

As a result, if he does secure a release (which is no sure thing), he may be forced to move clubs.

Peachey has played 115 first grade games for the Panthers, and 3 Origins for New South Wales.

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Peachey looking to backflip on Titans

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The Panthers are beginning to get a bit of a reputation for ignoring other teams’ contracts.

According to Channel 7, Panthers utility Tyrone Peachey is reportedly getting cold feet over his commitment to head to the Titans next year, with his management exploring the possibility of a backflip.

The major sticking point here is the same one that caused all the Ivan Cleary drama – specifically, he has a contract with another club, who are under no obligation to release him.

If the Titans were to release Peachey, they’d likely be wanting something in return – like Panthers five-eighth James Maloney, for example.

Word broke late last week that Maloney was keen to head to England in 2020, and that’s been followed up with a story on Channel 9 tonight that Maloney is being shopped around by the Panthers.

Given Maloney’s excellent form for the Panthers earlier in the year, it’s somewhat surprising that Penrith would be actively looking to move him on so soon; but after the emergence of the younger (and cheaper) Jarome Luai, the Panthers may feel that Maloney’s money could be better spent elsewhere (like on re-signing Origin halfback Nathan Cleary, for example).

That’s a lot of moving parts, but if the Panthers have shown anything of late, it’s that they won’t let a few contracts stand in their way.

Peachey has played 112 first grade games for the Panthers and Sharks, and 3 Origins for New South Wales.

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Roberts returns to Titans

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As expected, the Titans have announced the signing of utility Tyrone Roberts on a two-year deal, which will see him return to the Gold Coast until the end of 2020.

Roberts was in sparkling touch as a fullback prior to heading to England, but will have some competition for that spot now, with both current custodian Michael Gordon and new signing Tyrone Peachey on deck.

Wherever he ends up playing, he’ll certainly add a bit of attacking spark and versatility to a rapidly improving squad.

Roberts has played 138 first grade games for the Titans and Knights.

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Norman met with Titans

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It’s no secret at this point that Eels five-eighth Corey Norman is unwanted at Parramatta, but what’s less well known is who (if anyone) is willing to take a punt on him.

According to nrl.com, the Titans might be an option, after revealing that Norman met with Titans coach Garth Brennan three weeks ago.

With Norman reportedly on a deal worth $900,000 for next season, there’s a lot to work out before anyone commits to taking a chance on him.

However, he’s still an NRL-quality talent, and would provide the Titans with a perfect foil for Ash Taylor.

Norman has played 165 first grade games for the Eels and Broncos.

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