Peachey could depart Titans to make Panthers return

EXCLUSIVE

Tyrone Peachey’s brief stint at the Gold Coast could be over in the coming weeks as Penrith prepare to lure the former NSW representative back to the club before the June 30 transfer deadline.

NRL.com understands Peachey’s manager Sam Ayoub met the Titans over the past week in regards to an early release from his deal at the club on compassionate grounds, despite being six months into a three-year deal.

The Panthers, who now have a spot available on their roster after releasing Dallin Watene-Zeleniak on Friday night, have been in discussions with Peachey’s manager about the prospect of him returning to the club immediately.

Peachey’s family have struggled to adapt to life on the Gold Coast and are understood to be keen to return home to Sydney.

Penrith and Gold Coast officials are yet to make an official statement on the matter.

The Titans haven’t been happy with the form of Peachey, who became reluctant to join the club after signing a three-year contract early last year, and are understood to be willing to part ways if they are comfortable with the terms of his departure.

The Panthers never wanted to lose Peachey, however salary cap restraints forced him out of the club.

Now Watene-Zelezniak is on the move, the Panthers – who are desperate to add some spark and life into their attack - can afford to bring him back if they can come to an agreement with the Titans in the coming weeks.

After making his NRL debut at Cronulla, the 27-year-old joined the Panthers in 2014, building a close relationship with coach Ivan Cleary in their two seasons together.

Peachey’s struggles at the Titans cost him his spot as the NSW State of Origin bench utility, replaced by Canberra’s Jack Wighton for the opening game of the series.

He started the year in the centres for the Titans but now finds himself on the bench for Sunday’s local derby against the Broncos as the club tries to resurrect its season.