FORMER Maroons prop David Shillington is fighting to save his NRL career after being given permission to negotiate with rival clubs by Canberra coach Ricky Stuart.

Shillington’s management is scouring the market for options, but the Broncos, Cowboys and Titans have already closed the door on the prospect of a Queensland homecoming.

In the space of 18 months, Shillington has gone from being a key member of the record-breaking Maroons to a veteran prop in limbo at the beleaguered Raiders.

Stuart will give Shillington every chance to prove his worth, but it is understood the off-contract 31-year-old’s 2015 campaign will be his last at the Green Machine.

The 189-game NRL stalwart will struggle to press his claims, having recently broken his thumb in the second-tier NSW Cup which will sideline Shillington for six to eight weeks.

Stuart is presiding over a rebuilding of the embattled Raiders and challenged Shillington to showcase his ability to mentor the next generation of Canberra bookends.

“David is a big part of our plans for this season, but beyond that, it’s up to him,” Stuart said.

media_camera Shillington was part of the Queenaldn Origin set-up as recently as 2013.

“Like anyone in this game, your destination is of your making and it depends on his ability to perform.

“’Shillo’ is a big part of the club and hopefully he will be back for us when he recovers from a broken thumb.

“I can understand if David wants to look around, he has every right to secure his future.

“His future may still be here, but I am waiting on him to come back from injury and we’ll assess things.

“Shillo needs to get back on the field and start playing well. He’s an experienced guy, he’s done a lot, he’s a great servant, but I need him to get some football under his belt before we talk about his future.”

Also a veteran of 14 Tests for Australia, Shillington has been linked with UK club Hull KR. But it is believed the towering prop is keen to remain in Australia with wife Sonia expecting the couple’s second child in June.

A Brisbane product schooled at Padua College, Shillington explored the prospect of playing for the Broncos two years ago, but the club opted to sign Martin Kennedy.

Titans hierarchy have knocked back a request from Shillington’s management, while the Cowboys insist they are content with their front-row stocks after signing Ben Hannant.

“Dave has had a fine career but we are really happy with our front row,” Cowboys recruitment chief Peter Parr said.

“We already have Matt Scott, James Tamou and Hannant, so we have no interest in looking for another front-rower.”