Sam Burgess’ big money deal with South Sydney is expected to be ratified in coming days after Chris McQueen’s move to ink a two-year contract with Gold Coast.
As the NRL’s off-season musical chairs continued on Friday, Titans fans finally had something to celebrate with the signing of the Queensland back-rower, while Burgess’ three-year deal was set to be finally registered with the governing body.
The Titans received their latest black eye earlier in the week when star centre James Roberts knocked back a contract extension in the wake of the contract forgery saga which left him a free agent.
Watching the Dally M centre of the year slip through their grasp was yet another blow for the Titans who had endured a string of negative headlines this year including Daly Cherry-Evans’ contract backflip, the club’s cocaine scandal and a number of high-profile departures including captain Nate Myles and playmaker Aidan Sezer.
Gold Coast remain $3 favourites with bookmakers to take next year’s wooden spoon however McQueens’s signature is seen as a step in the right direction.
“I’m really excited to come back to Queensland and take the opportunity to play a senior role with the Titans who I think have a good developing young squad,” McQueen said.
“My time at Souths was special, culminating with a premiership. They gave me a chance and stuck with me through a tough period with a knee injury and I have made some great friendships there. But I understand it’s a business now and really excited about this opportunity.
“I still feel I have my best football in front of me and this a fresh challenge.”
McQueen reportedly knocked back a $150,000 a season offer from Gold Coast last month however the parties recently returned to the negotiating table.
The 28-year-old’s deal is estimated to be worth $500,000 with Souths reported to be subsidising his salary by $100,000 for 2016.
His deal will have ramifications for the Rabbitohs, who were told they had to jettison players if Burgess was to fit under the salary cap.
It’s believed his departure will open the door for the dual international to be officially signed.
Since debuting in 2009, McQueen has made 117 NRL appearances for the Rabbitohs, including the club’s drought-breaking grand final win in 2014. He has also played six State of Origin matches for the Maroons in 2013-14.
“Chris has been a valued member of this team for many years now and has brought a lot to us both on and off the field,” Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire said.
“He has evolved as a player from being a winger or centre to being a solid forward who managed to gain representative selection as well as playing a key role in our 2014 premiership victory.”
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