PETER BADEL THE COURIER-MAIL NOVEMBER 07, 2014 11:00PM

A SHATTERED Matt Srama is fighting to save his NRL career after being told he is unwanted by the Titans — just five months after signing an upgraded contract.

Regarded as the Titans’ No.1 hooker two years ago, Srama is now in limbo, with the courageous rake a casualty of the new regime being implemented by coach Neil Henry.

Srama seemed to be a key part of the Titans’ plans when he signed a two-year extension in June under foundation coach John Cartwright, who blooded the hooker in 2011.

But Cartwright’s resignation six weeks later has had dire implications for Srama, who has been given permission by Henry to negotiate with rival clubs.

The 23-year-old can elect to stay and fight for a Titans starting spot, but has slipped to being the fourth-choice hooking option behind Beau Falloon, Paul Carter and Daniel Mortimer.

It is another crushing blow for Srama, who is on the comeback trail after undergoing surgery eight weeks ago to correct a congenital defect in his hip and groin.

The Titans have offered to broker a move to English club Hull, mindful Srama will likely languish in the Intrust Super Cup if he opts to remain at the Coast.

“Matt has met with Neil Henry and they’ve told him he is free to go,” said Srama’s brother and manager Paul.

“There is a contract for him in the UK if he wants to go and the Titans would give him an extra $50,000 if he wanted to play over there.

“But Matt is not really keen on moving overseas at this stage. He’s just bought a new home.

“We’ll look around and see if there is interest from NRL clubs but ideally Matt is keen to break back into the Titans.”

Srama had a fine rookie year in 2011 and was dubbed a potential State of Origin hooker after a superb follow-up season in which he played 23 top-grade games.

But a series of shoulder and groin injuries restricted Srama to just six games last season, allowing Falloon to take an iron-clad grip on the Titans’ No.9 jumper.

Paul Srama said the hardworking hooker, who has played 62 games for the Titans, didn’t see the blow coming after inking a deal until the end of 2016.

“To get this news now, Matt is pretty gutted,” Paul said.

“The basic message is if he sticks around, he will be stuck behind Falloon, Carter and Mortimer. He has the option of staying but if he does he’ll basically be playing Queensland Cup.

“Matt is disappointed because he’s put his body on the line for the club. He played with a busted shoulder when the club was struggling, he’s played needled up, and now he’s been told he can leave.

“Everything is up in the air. Matt believes he is the Titans’ best hooker and he wants to play first grade, but it looks like he might have to do it somewhere else.”



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This is a real shame.

Carter is not a hooker. Falloon is terrible. They should at least give Srama the off-season to prove his worth. Fair enough if it's that they're worried about his durability- but, i can't understand how anyone could come to the conclusion that Falloon is fourth in that pecking order based on footy ability.

I do like that Mortimer is being considered. Get him out of the halves...

Henry and co. must have some other hopeful signing moves in mind to still be looking to shed guys at this stage of the pre-season.