Titan could be Manly’s DCE replacement

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MANLY have upped the ante in their bid to poach Gold Coast young gun Kane Elgey after the rookie halfback baulked at a three-year contract extension from the Titans.

Elgey will tour the Sea Eagles' Brookvale Oval headquarters in the next fortnight as the Silvertails search for a replacement for Titans-bound star Daly Cherry-Evans.

Manly have already submitted an offer to Elgey's manager, Tas Bartlett, which trumps the three-year deal tabled by the Titans last week.

Elgey has made a promising start to his NRL career as Daniel Mortimer's replacement, but the Titans have held back on offering a bumper salary increase for last season's Holden Cup's player of the year.

Titans coach Neil Henry is a fan of Elgey but has some delicate salary cap juggling to do given the club will be paying ''DCE'' $1 million a season.

Titans halfback Kane Elgey is being wooed by Manly. Source: Getty Images

The Titans have also been linked to several players for 2016, the latest being Parramatta five-eighth Corey Norman, who could be forced out by the arrival of Sea Eagles star Kieran Foran.

Norman, a Keebra Park product, has been in scintillating form and is a left-footed kicker who could be the perfect foil for Cherry-Evans.

Elgey is keen to stay on the Gold Coast but Bartlett said the 21-year-old would explore every option.

"He'll go down to Sydney and have a look around," he said.

"Manly have tabled a very good offer that would make him the starting halfback.

"He would love to remain a Titan however the current offer shows me they are in the market for someone else to partner Cherry-Evans."

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Complicating the situation is the uncertainty surrounding five-eighth Aidan Sezer.

Sezer is a free agent at season's end but has put contract talks on hold as he strives to find form on the field.

Sezer has moved to the right side of the field to make Elgey's transition to first grade simpler given he is also a left-foot kicker.

Cherry-Evans will wear the No. 7 jersey next year, meaning there is only one other halves position up for grabs.

Elgey made a solid debut in the Round 4 win over Cronulla and was defensively sound in Friday night's loss to Brisbane.

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Giant Titan shapes as Blues Origin bolter

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IN A bizarre role reversal, giant Titans second rower Ryan James has hailed diminutive halfback Kane Elgey for saving him in defence.

There is a 15cm and 35kg difference between them but James said the fact the little half had to cover him shows he should not be thinking about playing for the Blues.

Laurie Daley has stated James is Origin material and the 193cm forward has been among the Gold Coast's best in a disappointing season start.

Shifted to the edge this season after playing prop last year, the often injured James is showing why he has been hyped as a potential star.

However, ask James about his form and all he does is lament his defensive lapses and wish the Titans had executed better in their 26-16 home loss to Brisbane on Friday.

"You should never be satisfied with your own game," James said.

Ryan James has been one of the Titans' best in 2015. Source: Getty Images

"There are things I need to work on. Kane Elgey saved me a couple of times in defence.

"It is a bit strange for a halfback to save a second-rower in defence, it is usually the other way around.

"It is good to play consistent footy but disappointing to lose. We are one from five but we could have been three from five.

"I am not thinking about Origin.

''My focus is to get the Titans some wins and improve my own game.

"The effort is there from us. We need to work on our game plan and execute better."

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James' new-found versatility will help his Blues chances, where he is a realistic option for a bench spot.

"On the edge it is a lot different to the middle. I don't have to do those bash-up runs anymore but I have to time my runs now and get better at that," James said.

James Tamou's position in the NSW side is in danger while Trent Merrin has been average for St George Illawarra.

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Bulldogs blame game starts at the top

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DES Hasler reckoned that the throwing of projectiles at match officials is "not what this club is about".

But under Hasler's influence, the scowling on-field demeanour of the Bulldogs has made them the angriest kingdom of them all.

Hasler and Canterbury chief executive Raelene Castle tried initially to shape the media debate so it was about the potentially lethal bottle-throwing at referees by an unruly minority rather than the poor example set for their whole fanbase by the hectoring behaviour of players toward referee Gerard Sutton.

"That is not us. That is not what this club is about,'' Hasler said on Friday.

Were the Bulldogs as a club responsible for the bottle throwing? No. Angry people will always find avenues to be angry.

But the club's lack of respect for Sutton in the game, and its recent history toward referees, sent a message to supporters about how match officials were regarded at Belmore.

It is time for the NRL to forcibly lower the temperatures toward referees, at Belmore and throughout the league.

Charging and suspending James Graham and especially David Klemmer is a start.

David Klemmer and James Graham confront referee Gerard Sutton. Source: Getty Images

Canterbury skipper Graham had four separate cracks at Sutton, unable to suppress his rage at the decision (which was correct) to penalise him and also its timing, which would see South Sydney kick a winning penalty goal.

Klemmer was sin-binned for dissent.

Bulldogs centre Josh Morris could be heard telling Sutton his decision was "bull....'' as Klemmer headed for the sideline with one last F-rated rejoinder.

Klemmer is 21, an age at which most footballers are heavily influenced by the attitudes of their teammates and coaches.

Whatever happened to the NRL's demand at the start of last season that only captains speak to referees?

It is good Hasler expressed disapproval and dismay about the bottle-throwing by Bulldogs fans which scandalously left a match official with a broken shoulder.

It would have been even better had he not built such a resume for criticising and belittling referees in his four years as Canterbury coach, which built on his catalogue of diatribes while at Manly.

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Hasler last month branded referees "Voldemorts'' under the NRL's regulation in 2015 demanding coaches not comment on refereeing, a reference to the Harry Potter villain who "must not be named''.

Hasler took aim at the officiating after a loss to Souths in August, describing it as "very, very poor'' and adding it would take more than a central bunker for video reviews to "fix this mob''.

He described one of the decisions against his team in that game as "dumb, dumb, dumb".

After a win for the Bulldogs in Townsville in 2013, Hasler said: "We were ugly, the Cows were probably uglier, but the referees were the ugliest''.

Granted, the Bulldogs are not the only team getting up in the faces of referees in an unnecessary manner. Here are two words: Paul Gallen. Here are two more: Michael Ennis.

But the NRL does need to recommit this week to stamp out such incendiary behaviour toward referees.

Anecdotally, such outbursts in televised games have created instances of trickle-down abusive behaviour at junior levels.

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The backline crisis that could cost the Broncos

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THE Broncos are facing a backline crisis — they have too much talent and it could cost them Dane Gagai and Jordan Kahu.

The Broncos already have six first-grade calibre outside backs signed for 2016 and signing Gagai and Kahu would make it eight genuine starters battling for five positions.

Eight outside backs, who all expect to start, is too many for one club.

Kahu is wanted at Red Hill but has received significant interest from other NRL clubs.

Jordan Kahu has received interest from rival NRL clubs. Source: News Corp Australia

Kahu told The Courier-Mail he was in no rush to make a decision on his future and would sort it later in the year.

Gagai is weighing up offers from Brisbane, St George Illawarra and the Gold Coast and will decide his future within a fortnight.

It is believed one deal on the table for Gagai is worth $600,000 a year.

Gagai's club Newcastle have recently become favourites to re-sign the strike centre.

Brisbane's plethora of outside backs means they cannot match the money being offered by other clubs.

Brisbane also could not guarantee Gagai a starting centre spot.

The Broncos have already signed outside backs Justin Hodges, Dale Copley, Jack Reed, Lachlan Maranta, Darius Boyd and Corey Oates for next year.

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Brisbane are also poised to re-sign centre Tom Opacic, a 103kg 20-year-old who Wayne Bennett rates highly.

Just finding room for Kahu will be a stretch.

If Kahu and Gagai are signed, Reed, Maranta and Oates would be at risk of having to battle away in the Intrust Super Cup each week.

Kahu, nursing a hamstring injury, said he wanted his football to do the talking.

"If I am playing good footy mate, it (his future) will work itself out," Kahu said.

"I am not thinking too far ahead of myself with that stuff.

Lachlan Maranta is signed with the Broncos for next year. Source: Getty Images

''I just have to play the best I can during the next five or six months.

"I am only worried about performing well and doing my job.

"This is the best I have played in the NRL but it is not the best I can play."

Winger Daniel Vidot is also off-contract but is trying to find another club before the June 30 cut-off.

It is unlikely the Broncos will re-sign Vidot.

Brisbane are entrenched in the top four, having won four of their opening five games but that has increased the interest in their roster after they lost to Souths in the season opener.

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How Harrigan would have handled Dogs drama

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BILL Harrigan is rugby league's most decorated referee.

He handled 392 first grade games, 10 grand finals, 21 Origins and 25 Tests.

And he was renowned for his no-nonsense approach to backchatting and player ­dissent.

Harrigan once sent off Geoff Toovey and John Hopoate in the one game at Brookvale Oval and Gorden Tallis in a State of Origin match.

He sin-binned Mark Geyer in a grand final and Wally Lewis, Martin Bella and the late Peter Jackson in State of Origin games.

"They're just the ones that I can remember," Harrigan said when I asked him over the weekend how he would have handled the James Graham and Dave Klemmer brain explosions at ANZ Stadium on Friday afternoon.

"They would have been sent off," Harrigan said.

"They needed to be dispatched.

"What the players did was unacceptable, absolutely un­acceptable. They crossed the line."

MONDAY BUZZ: You have got to love Bulldogs-Rabbitohs madness

COMMENT: Graham's referee outburst deserves serious punishment

EXCLUSIVE: James Graham denies disrespect or any malice

REPERCUSSIONS: NRL threaten to strip points off Bulldogs

David Klemmer and James Graham confront referee Gerard Sutton. Source: Getty Images

Still, he refuses to be critical of the way referee Gerard ­Sutton handled the situation.

"You could have sent them both off but maybe Gerard was thinking it could get right out of control," Harrigan said.

"Maybe it was good management by the ref. It was already a powder keg exploded.

"He was maybe thinking, 'I could exacerbate the situation'. It was already a minefield.

"If he'd sent them off, who knows what would have ­happened.

"They could have gone even more berserk."

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Harrigan says he is concerned that the actions of the two Bulldogs forwards could cause just as much damage to the game's image as off-field misbehaviour.

"When a player does something wrong off the field, the NRL steps in," he said.

"If it's good enough to fine players who bring the game into disrepute off the field, I'm thinking James Graham has caused as much drama.

"Their behaviour on Friday has a major impact on rugby league right down to the grassroots level. The NRL has to act."

Tom Trbojevic starred on debut for the Sea Eagles. Source: News Corp Australia

HIGHLIGHT

The sensational debut of Manly's superstar-in-the-making Tom Trbojevic, who scored a try with his second touch of the football against the Raiders in Albury. He scored a second try and made 152 metres.

HIGHLIGHT II

The Swans' magnificent come-from-behind victory against Essendon after trailing by 41 points at one stage of the game.

HIHGLIGHT III

The Sharks' miracle victory over the Roosters and the phenomenal performance of superstar-in-the-making Jack Bird. Two tries, one man-of-the-match award and a huge future.

LOWLIGHT

Sydney's terrible weather that forced the big races to be washed out at Randwick on Saturday. Plus the terrible knee injury suffered by Rabbitohs halfback Adam Reynolds.

ROCK-SOLID CASTLE

Unlike her predecessor who covered up the Ben Barba scandal, Bulldogs CEO Raelene Castle has been upfront and fully transparent in her handling of the Good Friday ANZ Stadium drama in a difficult situation. She is so superior to Todd Greenberg it is not funny.

DOGS OF AWE

The Bulldogs might have lost the footy game and star players Tim Lafai and Brett Morris for extended spells with injuries but at least coach Des Hasler left ANZ knowing his side has what it takes to match the premiers should they meet in the finals.

RED-V WALL

St George-Illawarra have struggled in attack for much of the season but their defence has been outstanding. They have conceded just one try in their last 200 minutes.

DOUSTANDING

And while on the Saints, there is no truth in the rumour the 'Oust Doust' banners will be replaced by 'Doustanding' #saveoursaints #redv after three wins on the trot.

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Morgan yet to convince Green at No. 6

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NORTH Queensland coach Paul Green says Michael Morgan still has not earned ownership of the Cowboys' No. 6 jersey.

Morgan has played two games at five-eighth this season but has been impressive in both and was a standout in the second half for the Cowboys as they surged to beat Melbourne 18-17 in Round 4.

Morgan will need another strong performance against Penrith on Monday night to try to convince Green that he is the best man for the No. 6 jersey that has been predominantly worn by Robert Lui in the past two years.

Monday night is the first leg of a NSW double, as the Cowboys go from the Panthers at Penrith to the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium.

They need to jag a victory in at least one of those games to stay in touch with the eight.

Darren Lockyer said last week that Morgan should be locked in outside Johnathan Thurston for the season so he could learn the position properly.

"There are a few pieces still to fall into place, but there is one key individual who can complete North Queensland's elusive premiership puzzle. His name is Michael Morgan," Lockyer wrote in his column for The Courier-Mail.

"With his ball-playing ability and the speed to run lines and isolate defenders on an edge, Morgan has to be locked in as the Cowboys' No.6."

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North Queensland Cowboys against Brisbane Broncos at Mackay Stadium. Cowboys Michael Morgan. Picture: Evan Morgan Source: News Corp Australia

Green said Morgan was their five-eighth for the immediate future but he had not locked him in for the position and Lui was still an option for them if he rediscovered his best form.

After all, Morgan has only played two games in the position this year and was adamant in the pre-season he wanted to be North Queensland's fullback long-term.

Green did state his side posed the greatest threat to teams with Morgan partnering Thurston in the halves and Lachlan Coote at fullback.

"We will head in that direction," Green said about Morgan's five-eighth role.

"We are most dangerous with those three there.

"In saying that, Robert Lui in form adds a different proposition but I needed to get something happening there.

Robert Lui in action for Townsville. Source: News Corp Australia

"Last week they (Thurston and Morgan) were better than they were in the Broncos game (a 44-22 Round 3 loss).

"It still comes down to form and combinations.

''We had a good win last week with that combination.

"The more familiar they get with each other the better they will be."

Green said the side was not getting carried away with its first victory of the year, built on a dominant second half against Melbourne.

"It gave us a bit of belief, a bit of confidence,'' he said.

''We won't really know until Penrith.

"Having a win like that reminds everyone of how good we can be.

"It doesn't mean a lot unless we back it up."

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Buzz: Gotta love Bulldogs-Rabbitohs madness

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WARNING. This is a politically incorrect column.

It's about how rugby league has thrived on controversy, outrage and scandal since 1908.

It brings out our passion, our tribalism and our true love for the game.

Social media goes into meltdown. Channel 9 gets super ratings and it sells lots of newspapers. Our website had 34,000 readers vote on the controversial penalty — an unbelievable response on a public holiday.

Next time the Bulldogs play the Rabbitohs it will be on for young and old. No advertising or promos will be required.

Sadly, we have to wait until round 24, Friday night, August 21 until we get to witness a replay of what has now ­become the game's most-anticipated grudge match.

What happened on Friday night was obviously unacceptable behaviour on and off the field.

Fans should not have thrown bottles, while James Graham and Dave Klemmer should have shown more respect to the referee. We all know that.

But what it has done is kickstart the NRL season with the massive explosion it needed.

MORE BUZZ: How Harrigan would have handled Dogs drama

COMMENT: Graham's referee outburst deserves serious punishment

EXCLUSIVE: James Graham denies disrespect or any malice

REPERCUSSIONS: NRL threaten to strip points off Bulldogs

David Klemmer and James Graham confront referee Gerard Sutton. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

After a flat opening four rounds with poor crowds, Sydney is talking rugby league again.

Maybe for the wrong reasons but we're still talking about it. Like the old saying: any publicity is good publicity.

Give me Friday afternoon's game any day over the dreadfully boring Knights v Dragons.

In clubs, pubs and TABs on Saturday afternoon everyone was talking about the Bulldogs-Rabbitohs game. About Graham, Klemmer and poor Adam Reynolds. About the mugs who hurled missiles and face life bans.

Everyone had an opinion on the penalty that decided the game.

This match had everything. The eight-point try, big hits, superb skill and great tries.

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Klemmer made an unbelievable 205m from just 43 minutes.

He should be one of the first forwards chosen in the Blues' State of ­Origin pack.

It was just a memorable afternoon for rugby league.

And yes, Klemmer and Graham need to be punished. But let's not go overboard like after the now infamous $50,000 Paul Gallen tweet.

Fine them, for sure. Maybe even a one-game suspension. But remember too that Chris Sandow escaped a ­suspension last year for calling Ben Cummins a cheat.

And remember too that rugby league is such a great game because it can create drama like no other sport.

That's why we all love it.

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Titans v Broncos ... in Sydney?

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THE Titans were hours away from shifting their Good Friday Queensland derby against the Broncos to Sydney.

The Courier-Mail can reveal preliminary plans had been made for the derby to be played at ANZ Stadium as negotiations between the Titans and Stadiums Queensland hit a stalemate on Tuesday.

If the Sydney move was to happen, the changes had to be actioned by Tuesday night.

The Titans reached a short-term agreement to play the match at Cbus Super Stadium hours before the deadline.

Before the club was placed into voluntary administration in February, it was paying up to $2 million a year to play 12 games at the Robina venue.

The contract was its second-largest cost behind player and employee salaries, and regarded as a huge reason for the club's financial struggles.

Broncos playmaker Anthony Milford is tackled by Titans forward Greg Bird. Source: Getty Images

Titans boss Graham Annesley and NRL head of club services Tony Crawford are expected to meet Stadiums Queensland and Government divisions this week to negotiate a new long-term agreement.

The Titans' claim is simple — they want to pay less to play at the stadium.

The Government has been reluctant to come to the party, despite negotiations starting more than a month ago.

The Titans are the stadium's only permanent tenant, but they also realise the club has few alternative venues to play home games on the Coast.

It is not only Stadiums Queensland the Titans and NRL have to negotiate with.

The transport department is involved because of public transport options along with police, given traffic management and security plans are implemented at games.

Access to the stadium has been a talking point and Annesley said that had to be considered in the negotiations.

"It's well acknowledged, even by Stadiums Queensland, that there are transport and access issues associated with getting to and from Cbus Super Stadium," he said.

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"All we're seeking is a sustainable financial model given the issues associated with the location of the stadium."

A Stadiums Queensland spokesman said an option to reduce costs was to limit which seating areas were opened.

But Clive Palmer went down that route while he owned the now defunct A-League football outfit Gold Coast United and it was met with a supporter backlash.

"An individual hirer can specify to open a limited number of gates or stands to bring down costs and Stadiums Queensland is very happy to discuss options with hirers as it does with the Titans," the spokesman said.

"We have always been willing to work with any interested party to ensure that both sides get a reasonable return from a hiring agreement.

"The arrangements for the Titans is consistent with the commercial model applied at other venues and within other codes."

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