"It was pretty simple," Greenberg said. "Like a lot of players, they are looking for some surety about the sort of club they would go to and that is exactly what we gave him – that the Gold Coast Titans will be there for a long, long time."

But Sea Eagles officials were unaware of the meeting and Kelly has sought clarification about the discussions, which he believes have the potential to expose the NRL to allegations of a conflict of interest.

"The game's administrator and the owner of a club being the same entity creates a possible conflict of interest," Kelly said. "As the player's manager is seeking assurances, the club should also receive assurances that no conflict exists. This should be a transparent process and the incumbent club should be treated with courtesy and be given full disclosure of the discussions. We can't accept an unfair advantage being gained by another club because of that situation. The playing field must be level for all 16 clubs."

Under the collective bargaining agreement between the Rugby League Professionals Association and the NRL, the contracts of all players are guaranteed if the club they play for were to fold. But with the Titans having the might of the NRL behind them, a player might feel more confident signing with them than a rival club.

"Any player should expect to be paid in full but I am not sure exactly what has transpired with those discussions and there is the potential for a conflict of interest," Kelly said.