Mal Meninga happy to release struggling Tyrone Peachey to poaching Panthers
Titans performance chief Mal Meninga says he is willing to release struggling utility Tyrone Peachey from his contract after declaring, ‘family always comes before football’.
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Titans performance chief Mal Meninga will consider a release for struggling recruit Tyrone Peachey following the latest player drama to rock the Gold Coast.
Just 48 hours after halfback ace Ash Taylor was granted time off to address mental-health issues, Peachey has told the club he is battling personal problems in a disastrous build-up for the Titans’ clash against Brisbane on Sunday.
Peachey has been named to face the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium but his tenure at the Titans could be over within weeks.
The Sunday Mail can reveal Peachey met with Titans culture-and-performance boss Meninga on Wednesday to outline some personal issues which have cast doubt over his long-term future at the Gold Coast.
It is understood the Panthers have expressed interest at bringing Peachey back before June 30, just six months after the 27-year-old left Penrith to take up a three-year deal with the Titans.
Meninga is providing support for Peachey but says the Titans will not stand in the way if he wants to return to Sydney.
“Family always comes before football,” Meninga said on Saturday.
“There is a strong interest from Penrith so he has to decide what he wants to do.
“He hasn’t asked for a release. It has been instigated by Penrith.
“They would like him to be there so we will get through this game against the Broncos and see what we do this week.
“You have to be compassionate. Tyrone is a quality player and person and we will offer him every respect.
“He is torn. He wants to fulfil his contract but there’s a few personal issues to sort through.”
Peachey’s short tenure at the Titans has been marred by controversy.
Before he even arrived at the club, there were suggestions he wanted to renege on his lucrative Titans deal and remain at the Panthers club that turned him into a NSW Origin representative.
Peachey ultimately arrived on the Gold Coast, but his maiden season at the club has been disappointing so far. He has struggled for his best form and been relegated to the bench, leading to his axing from the NSW team for Origin I.
Ayoub said he expects Peachey to stay at the Titans this season but that may yet change. He insists Peachey is not at loggerheads with coach Garth Brennan, who was stunned by Taylor’s request for time out to address personal issues on Thursday.
“It’s got nothing to do with Garth, there’s no issue with him,” Ayoub said.
“We haven’t requested a formal release, that’s the truth.
“At this stage, Tyrone isn’t leaving the Titans but we need to work through some issues.
“Tyrone wanted to let Mal know he is a bit unsettled, he’s got some personal issues which I do not want to go into.
“I wouldn’t say it’s homesickness, it’s more personal than that.
“It’s a family situation with Tyrone.
“Tyrone has a game to play (today) so I’m letting him focus on the Broncos but I will meet with him this week to discuss his situation.”
Originally published as Mal Meninga happy to release struggling Tyrone Peachey to poaching Panthers
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