NATE Myles turned down the chance to win a premiership with Johnathan Thurston at North Queensland next season, with the Gold Coast skipper instead following his heart with a move to Manly.

Myles ended speculation on Wednesday by signing a three-year $1.5 million deal to join Manly, an offer substantially more lucrative than the $1m deal tabled by the Titans.

The 29-year-old was courted by several clubs but ultimately it came down to a choice between the Sea Eagles or Cowboys.

Myles opted for a return to Sydney where his wife Tessa can relaunch her acting career.

media_camera Nate Myles will leave the Titans at the end of the year for the Manly Sea Eagles.

DECISION: Tessa played “major factor” in Manly decision

TRANSFER CENTRE: Myles sparks Manly movement

THE HALFBACK: What does Myles’ decision mean for Cherry-Evans?

“I have been extremely humbled by this overall experience and I would like to thank all the clubs that showed interest in having me join them,’’ Myles said.

“The decision to leave our home (Gold Coast) was difficult, however Manly is a beautiful part of the world which provides both (wife) Tessa and I the opportunity to continue to develop our careers, relationship and family.

“An important factor in my decision was to play alongside champion players like Jamie Lyon and co who have created a winning culture within the northern beaches club.

“I will now focus on my role as captain of the Gold Coast Titans to ensure my final year in Titans colours is a successful one.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club and can assure all Titans members and fans I am committed to leading the team and making my final year in Titans colours a successful one.”

Myles never wanted to leave the Gold Coast but was squeezed out by salary cap constraints after the Titans outlaid $1.2m to recruit Daly Cherry-Evans from Manly and upgraded young halfback Kane Elgey in the face of a Sea Eagles raid.

Now speculation will intensity with Myles joining Manly that it will convince Cherry-Evans to produce a dreaded backflip before Round 13 and remain at the Sea Eagles so he can play with his Queensland Origin teammate.

Maybe the Titans could convince Myles to backflip?

The question must now be asked of the Titans: did they do enough to keep Myles on the Gold Coast?

Did the Titans undervalue a leader that has carried the club through a crisis-riddled past two years?

Like previous skipper Scott Prince, Myles will probably feel like he leaves with a knife in his back.

media_camera Nate Myles joined the Titans in 2012. Picture: Adam Head

Titans coach Neil Henry issued a short statement where the club made it clear they had made an offer to Myles, but didn’t take up his $550,000 a year option for 2016.

“Whilst it was disappointing the club could not retain him beyond this season I fully understand his decision and I’m sure he will be a quality acquisition for the Sea Eagles,” Henry said.

“I am equally sure that he will continue to represent our club to the best of his ability, providing on and off field leadership for the remainder of the season.”

It is understood the club had concerns about his longevity, his body busted after 26 Origin matches for Queensland and bicep, groin and shoulder operations in recent years.

Myles knew as much, but told The Courier-Mail a fortnight ago he believes his career at the highest level has many more chapters yet to be written.

“I did plan on finishing my career here, but it's a business now,” Myles said.

“At age 29, I’m nowhere near being finished as a rep player. There are still goals for me and that's at the forefront of my decision.”