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MATT Srama’s move to the Roosters is in serious jeopardy with the unwanted Titans hooker a chance of seeing out his contract on the Gold Coast.
The 23-year-old rake last week agreed to terms with the Roosters on a one-year deal for the 2015 season after being told he was free to leave the Titans by coach Neil Henry.
Srama told his Titans teammates he was leaving and the Roosters announced the signing last Thursday but he spectacularly backflipped soon after and is now demanding the Titans honour the second season of a two-year contract believed to be worth $200,000.
It doesn’t make sense for the Titans to pay out the entire value of Srama’s second year given it will be included in the club’s 2016 salary cap and would effectively be dead money.
Srama was a surprise participant at training this week and it’s now growing increasingly likely he will stay on the Gold Coast unless another club shows interest.
Roosters chief operating of footballer Brian Canavan said Sydney’s offer was for only 2015 and Srama would have to reach an agreement with the Titans in regards to 2016 if he is to take up the offer.
“We’d love to have him at the club for 2015 but we’re aware there’s an issue he has to resolve with the Titans for 2016,” Canavan said.
“There’s no deadline for us but we’d like it resolved as soon as possible because we’re underway with training like the Titans are too.
“We’re very keen to have him in here because he’s highly-rated on and off the field.”
Titans CEO Graham Annesley said the club would honour its two-year contract with Srama unless he found another deal.
“Nothing has changed from our point of view in that Matt has been provided with the opportunity to look for another club by our coach Neil Henry,” he said.
“However, until he accepts an alternate offer he remains contracted to us and the terms and conditions of his contract will of course be honoured.
“The Roosters, and the Titans, thought a deal had been agreed last week but Matt ultimately decided not to sign.
“You would have to ask the Roosters, Matt or his manager where negotiations currently stand.
“In the meantime he will continue to train with our squad as a contracted player.”
If Srama digs his feet in and stays it’s possible he could be relegated to the Intrust Super Cup for two years.
Henry informed Srama he had fallen back in the pecking order of dummy-half options which includes Beau Falloon, Paul Carter, Daniel Mortimer and Penrith recruit Kierran Moseley.
Mortimer, who left the Roosters midyear to join the Titans, said the 2013 premiers would be an ideal fit for Srama given star rake Jake Friend is set to miss the start of the season because of shoulder surgery.
“There’s a great opportunity there. Jake Friend’s done his shoulder and I don’t think he’ll start the season so there’s a great opportunity there for Srams,” he said.
“I left the Roosters on great terms and honestly can’t say a bad word about the club.
“They’ve been great to me and Trent Robinson is right up there with the best rugby league coaches I’ve seen.
“He’ll learn a lot at that club and especially under Trent Robinson.”