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https://www.google.com/amp/s/couple...s/news-story/5a7591278a5291655832f82455410297
Titans’ coach Justin Holbrook has confirmed reports that a star duo will depart the club, and admitted he’s unsure if Bryce Cartwright will play for the Gold Coast side again.
Holbrook told reporters on Friday that Titans captain Ryan James would move to Canberra for the 2021 season – with an announcement expected in coming days – and confirmed that Shannon Boyd would take an early retirement.
But he denied recent claims that wantaway star Bryce Cartwright had sought an immediate release to return to Sydney for personal reasons, while acknowledging “he’s best off down there.”
The anticipated exit of the trio of forwards will free up over a million dollars of salary cap space for the arrival of superstar Bronco David Fifita, just one of a series of major transfer dealings ahead of 2021.
But it is still unclear whether Cartwright will attempt to join a Sydney rival or take a break from the game.
“No he [Cartwright] hasn’t [asked for a release], not that I’m aware of,” Holbrook said in his Friday press conference.
“It’s sort of ongoing, it’s always been a personal issue with Carty, nothing that us at the Titans or rugby league for that matter has got to do with it.
“It’s a personal issue that takes him back to Sydney, that’s something he’s got to work through.
“I don’t know exactly [if he’ll play for the Titans again], I don’t want to get into all the legalities around it. It’s clear that he has to go back to Sydney a fair bit and he’s best off down there, if I’m honest with you.
“I’m not exactly sure on where [negotiations] will finish.”
When asked if he expects the situation to be resolved soon, Holbrook could only say: “I don’t know … we’ll see how that works out.”
Cartwright joined the Titans in 2018 after securing a release from the Panthers, but the move hasn’t worked out as hoped.
It’s been a similar situation with former Australian international Shannon Boyd, who has made just one appearance this campaign – and will be released barely halfway through a $2.4 million, four-year contract.
Holbrook said: “Boydy is comfortable with the decision and so are we.”
Boyd is expected to walk away from the game and return to farming with his family’s rural business.
The third player set to leave the club is Ryan James, with Holbrook describing his move to Canberra as a “fresh start”.
“It’s been a frustrating couple of years for Ryan, which is disappointing for himself and our club that’s for sure, but obviously he’s decided his future for next year now,” Holbrook said.
“We wish him all the best. He’s been tremendous for our club here for a long time and he gets a bit of a fresh start at the back end of his career. As I said we wish him all the best.”
Raiders’ coach Ricky Stuart also confirmed the deal on Friday, telling reporters: “I don’t think it is too far away.
“I have spoken to Ryan a number of times over the last two or three weeks, and I’ve known Ryan since he has been a young player.
“He is a quality guy and he will be a great addition".
