3 minute read

Gold Coast NRL forward Kevin Proctor has advised the Titans not to negotiate a Jai Arrow trade deal for an early release to South Sydney.

Gold Coast forward Kevin Proctor has some simple advice for his NRL club when it comes to negotiating a trade with South Sydney for Jai Arrow: just don't do it.

The Rabbitohs are attempting to finalise an agreement with the Titans for an early release which will allow Arrow to head this year to Redfern.

The Queensland State of Origin back-rower had already agreed a four-year, $3.2 million deal with Souths from 2021 but, after unveiling star recruit Latrell Mitchell on Monday, Rabbitohs boss Shane Richardson said he was still keen on securing Arrow for 2020.

Just what it will take to convince the Titans to release Arrow is a moot point in the opinion of Proctor, who believes his team will be far better off keeping the 24-year-old.

"I just don't reckon they should do it," Proctor said.

"He's a really good player and especially this late in the pre-season as well. Jai's an important player to our club and I suppose everyone would be shattered if he does go.

"No one really wants him to go next year either but, hopefully, he can stick it out this year with us and grind out 2020."

Whether Arrow stays or goes, Proctor says life is good at the Titans in the early days of new coach Justin Holbrook's regime.

The 30-year-old is still getting to know Holbrook's style but says it's a case of so far, so good for the new man.

"Everyone's buying into what Justin's brought to the club," Proctor said.

"I'm really liking his style. It's more defence-orientated this year, which is good because our defence leaked a lot of tries last year, which we needed to try and improve.

"That's what his main focus is and everyone's really enjoying it."