THE Titans’ $1.2 million conundrum has snowballed out of control — and Phil Gould says there’s one thing to blame

Meanwhile, Ash Taylor could be lost to the Titans and it’s got nothing to do with Neil Henry or Jarryd Hayne.

Plus, Todd Carney’s unlikely NRL return gathers steam.

Catch all the latest rugby league news in Media Watch.

Round 20

THE TITANIC HEADACHE

Coaching great Phil Gould says the Gold Coast’s failure to act on the ongoing drama round coach Neil Henry has seen them lose control.

With the saga becoming a mess, Gould believes the higher powers have dropped the ball.

“It’s very, very important for a club to take control of this,” Gould said on his podcast, Six Tackles with Gus.

“For a club to have an all-day meeting and then come out and say, ‘We need a week to think about it’, I find it rubbish. You’ve got to make a call here.

“What other facts do you need other than to interview the people and ask: ‘Have we got a problem here or haven’t we? Can we work together or not?’

“Because now you’ve got this (back-and-forth) in the media with players coming out saying the headlines is rubbish and claiming there isn’t a revolt against the coach. Until the Gold Coast makes a decision and acts, the media will just keep running off with this.”

REAL REASON WHY TITANS COULD LOSE TAYLOR

NRL 360 host Paul Kent has revealed that the reason why Ash Taylor could leave Gold Coast is because of the club’s handling of Tyrone Roberts’ contract.

The Courier Mail reported on Tuesday that gun playmakers Taylor and Kane Elgey were not going to sign new deals with the club until coach Neil Henry was sacked over the Jarryd Hayne saga.

Both Taylor and Elgey off contract at the end of 2018, while Tyrone Roberts is yet to lock in his future beyond this season.

Titans star Ash Taylor. Picture: Jerad Williams Source: News Corp Australia

“Ash Taylor and Tyrone Roberts are managed by the same player manager,” Kent told NRL 360.

“Tyrone Roberts asked to go out into the market to explore options. He had a look at the options, came back to the Titans and found that the offer that was on the table was no longer there.

“The manager’s got his nose out of joint, he’s upset at the Titans. He’s threatening to take Ash Taylor away because of what’s happening with Tyrone Roberts.

“Because of that, Neil Henry has come up at the appropriate time and he’s just been thrown into the mix.”

GUBB GLAD TO LEAVE WARRIORS

It appears there’s no love lost between Charlie Gubb and the Warriors.

The 27-year-old prop is on his way out of the club at the end of the season, with North Queensland set to announce his signing.

Gubb, who has spent most of the season in reserve grade, wasn’t offered a contract by the club, but told NZ television station 1NEWShe wouldn’t have accepted one even if they had.

Charlie Gubb of the Warriors. Source: AAP

“With the way things panned out, nah — I’m happy I’m going,” he said.

Gubb has played 37 NRL games for the Warriors since debuting in 2013 and said while he’ll miss his teammates, he’s glad to be leaving.

“I’m happy with the time I’ve had here,” he said.

“I’m really lucky that the Warriors gave me an opportunity but I see where they’re going so I’m happy I’m off as well.”

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CARNEY TO RETURN?

Channel Seven reports Todd Carney is set to get the green light to return to the NRL in 2018.

Carney was sacked from Cronulla in 2014 after a lewd photo of the playmaker went viral.

Todd Carney could return to the NRL. Source: News Corp Australia

The former Origin representative was forced to continue his career in the Super League, but has made it no secret that he’d like to finish his playing days back in Australia.

His wishes could come true with Seven reporting the game’s governing body could welcome him back under strict conditions.

Ben Ikin and Nathan Ryan are joined by Penrith coach Anthony Griffin to discuss Penrith’s exciting young players and their plans for the future.

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KNIGHT LEAVES EARLY

Fairfax Media reports Newcastle will collect a six-figure transfer fee after agreeing to allow English import Joe Wardle to return to the Super League in 2018.

Wardle only joined the club at the start of the season on a three-year deal but personal reasons have meant he sort an early release.

Joe Wardle of the Knights. Source: AAP

“I would just like to thank Newcastle for helping me through this tough time and understanding my circumstances,” Wardle said in a statement on Wednesday.

“It was always going to be a tough task moving to the opposite side of the world with a young family and there was a chance it wouldn’t work out, which is unfortunately the case.”

Wardle will link up with Castleford.

JOHNSON INJURY UPDATE

Warriors star Shaun Johnson expects to be back on the playing field next Sunday against the Sea Eagles at Mt Smart Stadium.

Johnson has been sidelined with a knee injury, but is likely to return for the Warriors’ final two games of the season before going on to play for New Zealand in the World Cup.

“I was hopeful for this weekend, but just with that short turnaround, I’m probably more of a chance next weekend,” Johnson told League Life.

“I’m lucky enough to be over here to watch the game on Friday so hopefully the boys can put in a good performance.”

WHY CLEARY SIGNED BENJI

Wests Tigers coach Ivan Cleary says he signed veteran playmaker Benji Marshall not just for his on-field talent, but his long, rich history with the club.

Marshall will return to the club next year after departing Concord back in 2013 for a short-lived stint in rugby union.

With the Tigers turning over a lot of players in 2018, Cleary believes Marshall’s links to the glory days of the club in 2005 will help the culture among the playing group.

Benji Marshall during his time at the Tigers in 2013. Source: News Limited

“I’ve had a couple of good chats with Benji over the last month or so and it’s really obvious that he was really keen to keep playing and thought that he still has a lot to offer on the field, and he wants to help the Wests Tigers,” Cleary told Triple M.

“We’re obviously going through a lot of changes and I think it’s still really important to have that link to the past and someone like Benji is such a great contributor to the Tigers for so long. More importantly, I’m looking forward to what he can contribute when he comes.”