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No Cookies | The Courier MailNRL grand finalists Melbourne are facing a $1.5 million poaching threat with Test forward Kevin Proctor weighing up a big-money move to the Titans.Titans recruitment chief Tony Mestrov has confirmed Proctor is on their hit list and will table a formal offer if the Storm are prepared to release the Kiwi international.
Proctor is torn between his loyalty to the Storm and family considerations as he braces for Sunday night’s NRL grand final against the Sharks at ANZ Stadium.
The 27-year-old is off contract at the end of 2018 and would be happy to finish his career at a club that is one win away from delivering him a second premiership ring.
But with partner Leesa set to give birth to the couple’s second child, Proctor is considering putting family first and relocating to the Gold Coast.
That opens the door for the Titans, who are crunching the numbers under the salary cap in the hope of adding Proctor to their back row stocks.
The Courier-Mail understands Proctor could be a Titan within a fortnight. Mestrov respects Melbourne’s contractual ties, but says the Titans will welcome Proctor with open arms if he wants to come home.
“There is definitely interest from our end,” Mestrov said. “At this stage, there is no formal offer for Kevin and the Storm are playing out their season.
“He still has a contract with Melbourne but if he wants to come back to the Gold Coast, we’d definitely want to talk to him.
“Kevin is a quality player and he could add to what we have already got. He ticks all the boxes. He’s won a premiership, he’s experienced and he’s a right-sided second-rower, which would be valuable for us.
“There are a few variables that need to play out but if they fall into place, he’d be a great asset.’’
The Storm blooded Proctor in 2008 and would be reluctant to lose a low-maintenance forward who has amassed 180 first-grade games in Melbourne but few clubs play hardball with players seeking a release on compassionate grounds. If Proctor wanted to be closer to family on the Gold Coast, the Storm would be unlikely to stand in his way.
The veteran of 12 Tests for the Kiwis admits his growing family would mean he considers any offer from NRL rivals. It is understood the Titans are prepared to pay Proctor around $500,000 a season for three years.
Proctor and his partner have strong ties to the Gold Coast, having met at school at Palm Beach Currumbin.
“Because I’m having another baby, I have to look after the family now,” he said. “I’ve got a commitment to the Storm at the moment, so we’ll see how we go.”
Titans prop Ryan James, also a Palm Beach Currumbin product, said Proctor’s recruitment would be a coup.
“My brother (Tim) got to play with him. I was there watching them,” James said. “He grew up around here and I watched him play a lot. He’s a great player.”
Proctor, who featured in Melbourne’s 2012 grand final win, said his partner was due to give birth any day.
“She could go any time now. She’s flying up (to Sydney) early just in case anything happens,” he said.
“I don’t think you couldn’t play a grand final. I’ll definitely play and then race to the hospital straight afterwards. It’s only 80 minutes really.’’
