Gold Coast have denied sacking star halfback Scott Prince along with reports the NRL club faces a serious sponsorship backlash should their club captain head to England next season.
Titans management declined to comment publicly to AAP on reports it had sacked Prince.
However insiders insist the Queensland and Australian representative could still turn out for the Titans in 2013 if he rejects a three-year package from Super League club Hull.
Club sources also said they had not heard from a single sponsor despite News Limited reporting on Tuesday several long-time sponsors were reviewing their relationship with the NRL cub in the wake of Prince’s rumoured sacking.
All efforts to talk to Prince on Tuesday to clarify confusion about his sacking and current situation were unsuccessful.
He declined interview requests during a pool session on the Gold Coast and it is believed he hasn’t discussed his plans with his Titans teammates.
“Scott has gone to ground,” said a Titans insider.
“The club is waiting for his decision. There’s still a chance he will be here next season.
“Scott has to weigh up his options and what is best for him and his family and when he does that, we will be able to comment further.”
Prince, 32, is weighing up whether to go around for one more season with the Titans in the NRL or take up a three-year contract with Hull, a path many Australian players tread towards at the end of their careers.
The club has told him it is unable to guarantee him another contract after 2013 but would not stand in his way if requested a release to accept Hull’s offer.
The 2005 Clive Churchill medallist has played 278 games for North Queensland, Brisbane, Tigers and the Titans.
Prince struggled at times during the 2012 season although he found some of his old form as the club made a late but unsuccessful surge to make the finals.
The Titans have copped some flak from Prince supporters, who are angry both coach John Cartwright and former boss Michael Searle had not cut short a US holiday to talk with their club captain.
The Titans begin pre-season training on Monday week by which time Scott is expected to have made a decision on his playing future.
Adam Everitt
Roar Rookie
He'd be a decent money at Hull FC. On a 3-year deal, one that I think is far too long, Lote Tuqiri Wests Tigers-esque in fact, he'd clear £300k over that period I reckon. It'd be a decent pay out for him if he stuck around for the duration, injuries et al permitting.
steve b
Guest
Prince is at the end of his career why wouldn't he way up his options if they can only assure him of a two year deal.
Pot Stirrer
Guest
I think its just getting sensationalised in the media. If all they've done is be upfront and tell him that they wont be taking up the option for 2014 when he is what 34?, and he can look elswhere then i dont think he or anybody else should get there knickers in a knot over it.
Simo
Guest
They've handled this sacking of prince poorly however he needs to go, he's clearly on the decline and his defence is up there with the worst in the game. Hopefully young Albert Kelly can stay on the straight and narrow and help the blooming 5/8 sezer.
George
Guest
This was the same bloke that had to leave the Tigers as Sydney was too far from his family up north! Well my friend Hull is cold, miserable and much much further away than Sydney.