Gold Coast Titans secure in demand halfback Ashley Taylor until 2021

THE Broncos have suffered a huge blow in securing a long-term replacement for Ben Hunt after the Titans landed a coup by re-signing Ashley Taylor on a mega-deal.

THE Titans have secured a $3 million coup with in demand halfback Ashley Taylor committing to the Gold Coast until 2021.

The Titans are finalising the three-year contract extension and are expected to announce the retention of Taylor for a further four seasons as early as Wednesday.

The impending signing of Taylor is a major boost for the Gold Coast who last week announced Garth Brennan as the club’s coach for the next three years.

Brennan has a close relationship with Taylor, mentoring the Dally M rookie-of-the-year for the past 18 months.

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Ashley Taylor has a close relationship with new Gold Coast Titans coach Garth Brennan. Picture: Brendon Thorne

The signing of Taylor before he technically becomes a free agent for 2019 on November 1 is significant.

Broncos coach Wayne Bennett was targeting Taylor, however the 22-year-old has pledged his allegiance to the Gold Coast on a massive deal.

Taylor left the Broncos after one first grade game at the end of 2015 to seek a regular NRL berth at the Gold Coast.

He had an outstanding debut season on the Gold Coast in 2016 and played every game for the Titans during their disappointing 2017 season which led to the sacking of coach Neil Henry.

Taylor’s signature is a major part of the rebuilding puzzle for the Titans, who are expected to be under new owners next week.