PENRITH supremo Phil Gould is ready to swoop on Nate Myles with the Origin warhorse likely to quit the Titans after facing the prospect of a massive $220,000 pay cut.

The Sunday Mail can reveal Panthers powerbroker Gould has Penrith positioned to poach Myles as a pay dispute breaks out between the Titans and their inspirational skipper.

A candid Myles says he wants to finish his career at the Titans but appears headed for the exits as five clubs, including Manly, the Dragons and Gould’s Panthers, battle for his signature.

“In my heart, I want to stay at the Titans, but I’ll be honest, it doesn’t look like it will be that way,” Myles said.

“It feels like they are trying to pick their side as if it’s a fantasy league, where you can get players at a low value and you then turn them into really genuine first graders.

“In some cases they definitely will, but it doesn’t happen every time.”

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media_camera Myles admits money and chances of winning a premiership will shape his decision.

Titans coach Neil Henry is keen to retain Myles, but the Mexican stand-off over the skipper’s perceived worth is so vast it is difficult to see the parties reaching a financial compromise.

Myles’ existing deal is worth more than $500,000 a season, although the Titans will struggle to submit a competitive offer due to salary cap pressures.

The Panthers and Manly have both tabled superior deals, with Gould eager to add Myles’ big-game experience and leadership qualities to Penrith’s unheralded pack.

The 29-year-old’s preference is to remain on the Gold Coast but admits he is now confronting the very real prospect of moving on.

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

“I was very fortunate to get the opportunity to come here where the supporters are fantastic. Football wise I have a lot more to give to the Titans, ‘King’ (Neil Henry) is a good coach and I’m enjoying his style.

“My decision will not just be about the money. I haven’t won a competition and that’s something I really want to do.

“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.”

The Titans met with Myles during the week to discuss his future. It is understood the club has concerns about Myles’ longevity, with the veteran of 26 Origin matches having endured bicep, groin and shoulder operations.

But Myles insists he is not a spent force, saying his body is in its best shape in years after opting to sit out the 2014 Four Nations tournament.

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media_camera Myles returned to training this week after a stint on the sidelines.

The loss of their skipper would be a crushing blow for the Titans, but Myles said interest from the NRL suitors had galvanised his self-belief.

“It’s very reassuring to know there is interest in me,” he said.

“I had a quick chat with a few clubs, I’ve been impressed with their processes and structures. It’s exciting but also nerve wracking, when you talk to them you think whoa, this is a possibility and it opens my eyes to it.

“I’m not delusional, if someone tried to pump my tyres up and I wasn’t worth it, I would acknowledge that, but it’s nice to know other clubs want to sign me.”

Former Test captain Darren Lockyer, who played alongside Myles in the Origin arena, urged the Titans to retain the Maroons warhorse.

“I have played with Nate, he is a great bloke and a guy who just won’t let you down on the field,” he said.

“Without knowing the club internally and what Neil Henry is trying to achieve, I hope Nate stays.

“He is a consistent performer and he brings that stability that he will be there giving his best performances.

“It’s a great way for young kids to learn their trade from older guys in the team.

“At the Broncos, we had guys like Shane Webcke and Brad Thorn and Andrew Gee, those stabilising personalities are crucial for a forward pack and Nate is like that at the Titans.”