THE Gold Coast Titans could soon become rugby league nomads under a bold plan that would see them play some home games in central Queensland.

The NRL will consider selling the Titans to highly respected construction magnate Geoff Murphy who wants the team to play several matches each season in Rockhampton and Mackay.

Murphy, managing director of construction company JM Kelly Group, told The Courier-Mail he was genuinely interested in owning or part owning the Titans.

media_camera Geoff Murphy is interested in buying a stake in the Titans.

He said he would do so in order to play several home games in central Queensland each year so the region could experience regular top flight rugby league.

ZILLMAN FINDS HIS PURPOSE

The Titans were placed in voluntary administration in February with investors losing millions.

The NRL is aware of Murphy’s interest and said while it wanted to sell the club it would not do so in the short term.

The NRL are currently negotiating a new deal with Cbus Super Stadium and it is understood playing a set amount of games outside the Gold Coast is being considered as part of the package.

The Courier-Mail’s rich list ranked Murphy, 73, as worth $109 million last year, a $16 million increase in his 2013 worth.

JM Kelly Builders is now one of the largest privately owned construction companies in the country.

Murphy is an old school gentleman and regarded as the type of man needed to help run NRL clubs.

“I have indicated that I am prepared to step in and help the Titans if the situation arose,” Murphy said.

“It is in its infancy at the moment.

“I am looking at the options and this is something I see as a good option.”

Murphy was previously sounded out about merging his CQ NRL bid with the Sharks when Cronulla appeared to be at death’s door.

Murphy is yet to enter formal negotiations to buy the NRL-owned Titans and his ultimate goal is an NRL expansion team based in Rockhampton.

However, expanding the NRL with a Rockhampton team appears to be years away from occurring and buying the Titans could present an alternative for Murphy.

If an agreement to host the Titans in Rockhampton for roughly four games a year was reached, it could yet trigger a State government pledge to help build a stadium in the city.

“We are looking at a 15,000 to 20,000 seat stadium and we have a promise from both sides of politics to build a stadium in Rockhampton if we get an NRL team there,” Murphy said.

“The new government has confirmed that promise.

media_camera Gold Coast Titans hold a training session at Pizzey Park. Picture by Scott Fletcher

“Ultimately, something has to be done because the NRL can’t continue to ignore the heartland of rugby league between Brisbane and Townsville.

“The NRL sooner or later has to consider that area. They can’t continue to ignore us.

“I am hoping to meet with (NRL strategy boss) Shane Richardson in the near future.”

The NRL said they were determined to ensure financial stability at the Titans before selling.

“The NRL don’t want to be long-term owners of the Titans but we want to first make sure the club is on a sound financial footing,” an NRL spokesman said regarding Murphy’s interest.

England based billionaire and Salford owner Marwan Koukash has also flagged his intent to buy the Titans.

There is also a secret committee of Queensland businessman and former NRL players who are working on their own buyout bid but are not ready to go public.