Anthony Don’s dirt-cheap offer to play on for Titans in 2021

In 2018 Anthony Don fended off a cashed-up Tigers poaching raid because his heart belonged to the Gold Coast. Now the talismanic Titan is asking for loyalty in return to keep him a one-club man.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 27: Anthony Don of the Titans scores a try during the round seven NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium on June 27, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Off-contract Titans winger Anthony Don is as loyal as professional footballers come.

In 2018 he fended off a cashed-up Tigers poaching raid because his heart belonged to the Gold Coast.

Now the talismanic Titan is asking his club to show him some loyalty in return to keep him a one-club man.

Don, 32, is negotiating a one-year contract extension that would see him return to the Titans for a shade over NRL minimum wage in 2021.

His teammates say he’s worth it.

Anthony Don of the Titans during the Round 2 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Parramatta Eels at CBus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast, Sunday, March 22, 2020. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

“All the successful teams have a blend of experience and youth and you can’t go past Donny as a team player and senior leader,” Titans skipper Kevin Proctor said.

“He’s playing well and leading by example both on the training and playing field.

“I suppose it’s up to the big dogs doing that (recruitment) stuff but it would be good to try keep this playing group together to keep working on those combinations.”

Don leads the Titans in try-scoring with four this season, bagging two in a potentially era-defining win over the Brisbane Broncos last weekend.

The club’s all-time leading tryscorer has notched 79 total in blue-and-gold but said he had more left to give.

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“I’m feeling really well, the body is great which is why I’m excited about playing on next year,” Don said.

“The new coaching team led by Justin and the whole club in general is on the way up and I just want to continue to be part of it.

“I am happy with my form and being a local who has a lot of experience I feel it’s my role to keep leading the way.”

Former Grafton Ghosts flyer Anthony Don scores a try for the Gold Coast Titans during the round 10 NRL upset against the Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium.

Halfback Jamal Fogarty’s transformation from Queensland Cup star to NRL starter has taken place under Don’s wing.

He said Don’s calming presence is bringing out the best in him and the other young guns coming up through the ranks.

“He’s on my edge and he gives you that self-belief and confidence, which is something I really like about Donny,” Fogarty said.

“He has a lot of experience and he’s very calm in the way he talks to you

“Hopefully he can stick around for a few more years because he’s definitely getting better with age.”

The Titans declined to comment.