THE immediate retirement of David Shillington is expected to open the door for the ­Titans to sign exciting forward Chris Grevsmuhl, reuniting the Townsville product with ­former Cowboys coach Neil Henry.

Shillington announced his retirement yesterday due to chronic injuries.

He played just 11 games for the ­Titans last season following a pectoral tear, one of ­several he has suffered throughout his ­career.

While the eight-time Origin representative cannot be replaced in the Titans’ top 25, his retirement frees up further funds for the Gold Coast, who continue to chase an outside back for their final roster spot.

But chief operating officer Tony Mestrov said that would not prevent the Titans from signing back-rower Grevsmuhl, who could join the club on a second-tier deal if he is able to satisfy NRL requirements to be offered a contract.

“We’re still looking for an outside back in that (final roster) spot and then we’ve obviously got interest in Grev­smuhl but there’s some due diligence to go through with that,” Mestrov said.

“We’ve been in touch with the Integrity Unit to ensure that he’s doing all the right things from their point of view.

“That’s between him and the unit and then when he goes through that due diligence – and we’re doing our own as well – we’ll look at it then from a contract point of view.”

Grevsmuhl started his professional career with North Queensland in the club’s under-20 ranks before making his NRL debut for South Sydney in 2015.

He made a mid-season switch to Penrith last year but quit the Panthers suddenly last November after being granted a release on compassionate grounds.

The Titans believe Henry’s relationship with the 23-year-old could help the enormously talented back-rower settle on the Gold Coast if he is granted a contract, a process that is ­expected to take some time.

“I think he knows him well and I think that will help,” Mestrov said of the relationship between Henry and Grevsmuhl.

“Everyone knows he can play football. It’s about putting a welfare plan in place to ­ensure that he stays healthy off the field and that’s really, really important.

“We have that (ability), working with the NRL and ­getting their suggestions.”

The Titans want a clean slate for the Queensland Emerging Origin Squad member to be able to rejuvenate his career.

“If he comes, he’s obviously coming for an opportunity and he’s had a few clubs now,” Mestrov said.

“I wouldn’t say it’s his last (chance) but not far from it and I think that’s the interest.

“He needs an opportunity.

“He needs football for his life and I think you will see him get back to where he came from.”

The Titans praised Shillington’s efforts for the club since his arrival and his handling of retirement talks.

“The way he handled himself through the whole thing has been highly professional and he’ll do well post football,” Mestrov said of Shillington, who has been appointed an NRL ambassador.

“He’ll do a great job. He’s smart, he’s well-spoken, well-presented.

“He’s seen beyond this year, there’s no use in him sitting around. He’s got a thumb injury which needs fusing and he’s also got a pec injury which just hasn’t come back.

“(His retirement) frees up a small amount of money – not a large amount – but it just became a situation where he wasn’t going to play and those extra moneys we can use in the second tier.”