The Titans have emerged as frontrunners to sign Nathan Peats from Eels

THE Gold Coast Titans have emerged as the frontrunners to secure unwanted Parramatta hooker Nathan Peats.

FAMILY ties could deliver Nathan Peats to the Gold Coast but coach Neil Henry insists the Titans will not rush into signing players they are not certain they want.

Peats could become collateral damage in Parramatta’s salary cap scandal and has been shopped to the Titans as the Eels rush to shed $570,000 of talent from their roster.

The classy hooker has been talked about as a future NSW No.9 and at 25, is the perfect age to enter the Gold Coast’s spine.

The Titans are frontrunners to sign Nathan Peats.

Peats conceded on Tuesday that he was unsure about his future at Parramatta, saying he would leave it to his manager.

“It’s not ideal to have your name thrown out there but I’ve enjoyed my time at Parramatta,” he said.

“Two years ago I would have been filthy (I’d been brought into it) but not anymore. I’m pretty cruisy.”

The Eels must become salary cap compliant before Friday’s game against South Sydney if they are to start accruing competition points again.

Peats’ manager Sam Ayoub said a move from Parramatta would have to be on his client’s terms.

“Nathan has a contract with Parramatta so really he doesn’t have to go anywhere if he doesn’t want to,” Ayoub said.

“They can’t move him if there is nowhere that suits Nathan.

“He has a partner and young child so there is a lot of factors to take into consideration.

“I still haven’t heard back from the Titans ... people are telling me they are keen but I have nothing from them at this stage.

“His preference is to stay in Sydney but his father Geordie lives on the Gold Coast and he’s very close to his father.”

The Titans have four hookers — co-captain Nathan Friend, Kierran Moseley, Daniel Mortimer and Matt Srama — on their books but all are off-contract this season.

Peats fronted to the media and admitted he wasn’t sure about his future.

They only have 24 players in their top 25 and could accommodate a quality mid-season recruit. But Henry’s priority is to secure a centre or prop.

“I haven’t heard any official word that they’ve told him (Peats) he’s got to go,” Henry said.

“I haven’t had any calls from player managers saying ‘this player is available’ ... I don’t feel pressured that we need to make a decision about a player that’s not wanted by another club.

“We’re not here to pick up someone we don’t think will be valuable for the club moving forward.”

On Tuesday the Titans locked up exciting outside back Greg Leleisiuao until 2018 following his appearance for the Junior Kiwis.