Daly Cherry-Evans' big money move to Gold Coast was almost scuppered by the embattled NRL club's cocaine scandal.
Cherry-Evans said the ongoing crisis that engulfed the club in the pre-season made him rethink his commitment to the struggling franchise.
The representative playmaker committed to the Titans on a four-year $4 million deal on Friday but not before having some serious second thoughts.
"Yeah it definitely spooked me early on. That's an easy one. As soon as it came out I took a step back and said 'what's going on here'," Cherry-Evans told Fox Sports' Sterlo On The Couch.
"But as the dust settled, we understood there are a few individuals involved with it but as a club they are in a great place to move forward."
DCE also revealed Cronulla only narrowly missed out on securing his signature.
His contract negotiations were criticised as a circus after he was caught on camera meeting with Sharks officials. But Cherry-Evans said those images embarrassed him.
"I definitely understand (that perception)," he said.
"There's not a part of me that I guess doesn't feel embarrassed by being in the media spotlight like that. It definitely wasn't a situation I wanted to be in.
"I personally can guarantee I didn't call the media to be there.
"Throughout this whole process I'd like to think I have been tight-lipped about what I wanted to do.
"I have been trying to do it in my own time with the respect of my teammates. That was a very unfortunate situation I can't change.
"I know in myself I have done nothing wrong. I can only hope I haven't offended my teammates.
"I was very close (to joining the Sharks). I can't thank them enough for the respect they showed me through the whole process."
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