Gold Coast have firmed as favourites to sign NSW halfback Trent Hodkinson from Canterbury after James Maloney confirmed he was leaving Sydney Roosters to take up a three-year deal with Cronulla.

Hodkinson, who is unsure of his immediate future following the emergence of Moses Mbye at halfback in recent weeks, had attracted interest from the Sharks but with Maloney and Warriors five-eighth Chad Townsend now set to be their halves pairing next season the Titans appear to be his best option.

Pointscoring machine: James Maloney of the Roosters. Credit:Getty Images

While the departure of Maloney, star fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and the likely loss of Test winger Daniel Tupou have sparked speculation the Roosters are clearing the decks for a big-name signing, the reality is that contract upgrades and extensions have left them with little room under the salary cap.

Rookie playmaker Jackson Hastings is being groomed as Mitchell Pearce's long-term halves partner at the Roosters, while teen sensation Latrell Mitchell is considered a future fullback and may make his NRL debut in coming weeks after turning 18 last Tuesday – the same day he signed a four-year deal.