SYDNEY: Gold Coast have fielded an inquiry from Canterbury prop Ben Hannant's manager after the homesick test star asked for a release from his contract to return to Queensland.
Hannant is tied to the Bulldogs until the end of the 2011 NRL season but his young family are struggling with
life away from their home state.
"His family and he are struggling a little bit with life in Sydney and so we've opened some discussion about a potential early release for Ben," said Canterbury chief executive Todd Greenberg.
"We're not going to get the best out of him on the field and we're being realistic about that."
The 25-year-old former Brisbane forward has three children, the youngest born last year.
TV's Nine Network said Hannant's family was finding it difficult being away from extended family.
Greenberg said the terms of any release would allow the test front-rower to return to only the Broncos or link with the Titans.
"These discussions have been premised on the fact that he wants to return home, which is the Gold Coast, we're very understanding of that," Greenberg said. "It's a tough one because there's still a bit of work to do.
"Fundamentally I have to stand up for the club to start with and make sure we're not worse off."
That could mean Canterbury seeking a player swap, the report said.
Titans boss Michael Searle said he had taken a call from Hannant's manager but his club would find it almost impossible to fit him under the salary cap in 2010.
"I'd have to get more information before I went down that path but I would think it would be difficult," Searle said.
"Even with a player swap it would be hard."
Searle said he had been under the impression that Hannant was not available until next year.
"We've always said from a club point of view that we see our club as a vehicle to bring young Queenslanders home," he said of that possibility.
"We've had a very brief chat with his manager today and we'll see how it plays out. It would be a lot easier for us to do it in 2012."
The loss of forward leader Hannant would be a huge blow to the Bulldogs after he was a key figure in their remarkable 2009 season turnaround.
The Titans have several formerly NSW-based forwards who the Dogs may try to entice home, although the tourist strip has proved popular with players.
Mark Minichiello, Anthony Laffranchi, Luke Bailey, Michael Henderson and Matt White are all New South Welshman on the Titans' books, but none is a front-rower in Hannant's class.
Brisbane have former St George Illawarra pair Ashton Sims and Lagi Setu contracted to them and former Wests Tigers forward Ben Te'o.
- AAP
SYDNEY: Gold Coast have fielded an inquiry from Canterbury prop Ben Hannant's manager after the homesick test star asked for a release from his contract to return to Queensland.
Hannant is tied to the Bulldogs until the end of the 2011 NRL season but his young family are struggling with
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