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THE Titans must now embark on the search for a new hooker in the wake of Nathan Friend's bombshell that he will most likely quit the club at the end of the year.
As reported exclusively in the Gold Coast Bulletin today, Friend has fielded lucrative offers from several rival NRL clubs, with the New Zealand Warriors believed to be favourites to snare his signature for 2012.
Friend is expected to make a final decision on his future as early as today.
''At this stage it looks like I may be (leaving),'' Friend told The Bulletin.
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''I can't be certain just yet but it is looking like my future may be at a different club.
''I have had a couple of interested parties, that is why we can't make a confident decision until the end of the week.
''I still could stay but it is highly unlikely at this stage.''
The Titans will first look in-house to find his replacement, opening the door for highly-touted under-20s rake Matt Srama and fellow promising youngster Kayne Lawton to make their mark.
Riley Brown, who has filled in for Friend throughout the early rounds, also shapes as viable option.
Chances are the departure of 80-minute player Friend will mean a change in the Gold Coast's style of play.
Your Say
"Nathan Friend is one of most consistantly strong players .... Why would the Titans be foolish enough to let him go? We need him!"
Queenslander too
The Titans will next year have to look at using two hookers, with one sharing the load off the bench, at least until one of the younger players develops enough to fill the void.
Crowd favourite Friend has been the beating heart of the Titans for the past few seasons and news of his departure is sure to upset the club's legion of fans.
Friend said he had a responsibility to make the decision that was best for his family wife Kelly and young sons Axel and Oliver.
''It is a tough decision,'' the 30-year-old said.
''But obviously my career is nearing the end. It is time I received the rewards for the effort I have put in over the years.
''You have only got a short time at the top, so I have got to make the most of it.
''I don't mean to stand on people's toes but I have to do the best thing for my family at this stage in life.''
Titans managing director Michael Searle conceded the club had all but resigned itself to the fact Friend would be moving on.
''There was always going to be life after Nathan Friend at some stage,'' Searle said.
''If it is now, it is now and good luck to him. If he is doing this for his family, I don't have any issue with that.
''They are tough decisions you have got to make. Irrespective of where he goes, I don't know where it will be, the club will wish him the best.
''I have got no doubt he will continue to play his football hard and fast for us. He is a competitor.''
Confirmation tonight Nathan Friend has agreed to terms with the Warriors and will finish his NRL career across the ditch.
His poaching to be trumpeted by the New Zealand side on Monday.
Friend had been chasing a 60 thousand dollar contract upgrade to stay at the Titans, but the club was only willing to improve his current deal by 10 grand.
Great news.
I've seen people question his age & even refer to him as a journeyman! They are out of their mind. This guy is all class, his age may make a difference eventually but for a few years we'll actually have a classy hooker. An area we havn't had some class in for a while. Perfect role modle to introduce & ease Johnson/Pita into first grade.
FINALLY THE ROCK HAS COME BACK TO . . . .
Good to be back. Now time to rant! I posted this at another forum:
I dont get the Nathan Friend signing when the Warriors have young guns Pita Godine and Alehana Mara who have shown they can step up to first grade. Also Lance can now go back to his super sub role and come out and play hooker. This comes across more of a luxury signing then signing for a need position.
Oh and theres Berrigan if hes there next year.