Gold Coast halfback Daniel Mortimer has every reason to feel mixed emotions about the Titans' decision to snare star Daly Cherry-Evans.
The Queensland and Australia halfback has confirmed he'll be leaving Manly to join the Titans on a four-year deal when his current deal with the Sea Eagles expires at the end of the 2015 NRL season.
It's a huge coup for the scandal-hit Titans, who less than a fortnight ago were forced into a hasty takeover by the NRL while several of their players were caught up in allegations of using and supplying cocaine.
But it's probably a touch devastating for Mortimer, who joined the Titans last year from the Sydney Roosters in the hope of nailing a regular starting spot.
Now, just as he prepares to have a long crack at becoming the Titans' No.7, Mortimer knows he's almost certainly going to have make way for Cherry-Evans next year.
The 25-year-old is keeping a positive outlook however.
"I don't blame the club for going after the player. He's an Australian and state player," Mortimer said.
"The Gold Coast have got him and it's a big step for this club especially given what they've been through.
"That's all next year though and all I can focus on is next year and that's the last thing I'm thinking of at the moment."
Cherry-Evans' imminent arrival will certainly up the ante on Mortimer and his halves partner Aidan Sezer, especially as the latter is off-contract at season's end.
Mortimer, who is also capable of slotting at five-eighth, admits the news will provide plenty of motivation to lock down starting roles at the Titans next season.
"I've played a lot of my best footy at six so there's definitely competition for spots and that's what the best teams have," he said.
"In saying that, that's all in the future, we all need to worry about what we're doing right now.
"This year's the most important year for me personally and I'm not going to start thinking ahead, that's for sure."
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