Six shooter: Peachey shift floated after landing Liu for '22

Tyrone Peachey is being considered as a potential five-eighth option at the Titans next season in another blow to Ash Taylor's retention chances in the Gold Coast's roster re-shaping.

NRL.com understands that Peachey's recent form has swayed the club to broach re-signing talks with the former NSW Origin utility, having held fire for much of 2021 on the futures of both he and Taylor.

A significantly reduced deal from Peachey's current $500,000-plus salary has been floated, with both he and Taylor well aware they won't be attracting the marquee money of their previous contracts.

Taylor however indicated this week that he is still yet to hear from the Titans if he will be offered an extension beyond this year.

Justin Holbrook's signing of two-time Roosters premiership-winner Isaac Liu on Wednesday continues a busy period for the Titans chequebook, following on from the recent extensions of halfback Toby Sexton, Beau Fermor and Jaimin Jolliffe (2024) and Corey Thompson (2023).

Liu's arrival next season raises questions about Peachey's future at lock, where he has played the majority of this season, and prompted the suggestion of a five-eighth switch.

It's understood the prospect of partnering co-captain Jamal Fogarty in the halves appeals to Peachey, who has played every position bar wing, halfback and prop in his 171-game NRL career.

However the 29-year-old has also landed on the radar of NRL rivals after biding his time on entering negotiations for much of the season.

The Gold Coast's inconsistent showings have undermined an impressive summer recruitment run that had them tipped as top-eight contenders this year.

As it stands the Titans sit 11th after last week's thrashing of Canberra with a bye this weekend. They are one of six clubs separated by two points between eighth and 13th on the ladder.

For Peachey, Taylor and several other off-contract Titans, their form over the final eight games of the season will have significant impact on their next career moves.

Liu's return to his old Gold Coast stomping ground as a Keebra Park graduate points to the ongoing renovations to Holbrook's roster.

Now a veteran and mainstay of a vaunted Roosters pack, Liu's signing on a three-year deal adds further clout and an experienced leader to the Titans pack of budding representative forwards.

"His experience and the fact that he is a big game player that has won competitions makes him a player that is very valuable for us," Holbrook said.

"He is such a professional guy, he’s capable at playing at both prop or lock and he brings so much off the field as well.

"We’ve got some of the most exciting young forwards in the game in Moeaki Fotuaika, David Fifita and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui but they are all still 21-years old.

"To have someone like Isaac be able to mentor our young forwards and also drive the culture we are building at the Titans makes him a really important signing."