Gold Coast are confident of re-signing halfback Ashley Taylor on a long-term NRL contract, but are in no hurry to complete the deal.
Brisbane finalised a three-year extension with utility Kodi Nikorima on Monday, potentially bowing out of the race to lure former Bronco Taylor home to Red Hill.
Titans coach Neil Henry is more than hopeful that 22-year-old Taylor will remain at the club beyond his current deal, which ends next season.
Henry refused to read into Nikorima's deal but reaffirmed that Taylor, who just bought a house on the Gold Coast, was in the club's long-term plans.
"I really don't care who they sign up there (Brisbane), all I know is that he's signed here until the end of next year and there's been noise of him going to various places," the Titans coach said on Tuesday.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"But he, and Kane (five-eighth Elgey) the same, are contracted here and we see them as long-term partners in the halves at this club.
"Hopefully we can strike a deal this year for an extension for Ash. He just bought a house and is quite settled here."
Titans boss Graham Annesley said there was no anxiety to retain Taylor, who produced one his best NRL performances last Saturday in a 30-10 demolition of Cronulla.
"Ash is a priority for us obviously and we've had some discussions but we're not anxiously pursuing it," the CEO said.
"The plan is to make sure he's with us long term. However long that takes, it will take."
Saturday's trip to Penrith shapes as decisive for both clubs, with the ninth-placed Panthers one win outside the top eight on 20 points, while the Titans are 12th on 18 points.
"It's going to be a great battle down there; it's another one of those games we have to win," Henry said.
"If we drop a couple of games the season won't be there for us."
Elgey has been named on an extended bench and did light contact work at training on Tuesday, but is likely to be given another week to make his return from a sternum injury.
