Brutal $450,000 twist in Bryce Cartwright controversy
Gold Coast have released out-of-favour Bryce Cartwright from the remainder of his contract.
Cartwright hasn't played for the Titans after he was dropped in July and he has since been living in NSW with his wife and children.
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The Titans confirmed on Thursday they had released the 25-year-old from the final year of a lucrative contract, reportedly worth $450,000, to pursue opportunities in his home state.
It marks the end of an underwhelming stint on the Gold Coast for Cartwright following his arrival from Penrith ahead of the 2018 season.
Touted as a future NSW State of Origin prospect following a strong start to his career at the Panthers, Cartwright made the move to the Titans to work under ex-coach Garth Brennan.
The pair had worked together at Penrith but Cartwright struggled with form and was criticised for poor defensive efforts.
When Brennan was sacked in the middle of 2019, Cartwright's future at the club was also unclear with many viewing him as a costly relic of the former coach's tenure.
Cartwright showed glimpses of his best form in the early stages of 2020 under new coach Justin Holbrook but found himself creating headlines after refusing to receive an influenza vaccination as part of the NRL's post-COVID shutdown return-to-play regulations.
Eventually granted a medical exemption, Cartwright played just seven matches this year and 43 in total during his three seasons at the Titans,.
It's unclear where Cartwright's future lies with the 25-year-old admitting earlier in the year he was battling a chronic knee issue.
NRL gets crowd boost ahead of finals
The NRL can have crowds of up to 40,000 at finals matches after the NSW government allowed major venues to operate at 50 per cent capacity.
Under the new rules, ANZ Stadium will be allowed 40,000 fans at matches from October 1 which will include the NRL grand final.
The SCG will also be able to have crowds of up to 23,000, while Bankwest Stadium will be able to accommodate 15,000 spectators.
Fans will have to wear masks on entry to the stadium but can take them off once in their allocated seat.
Suburban grounds such as Panthers Stadium and McDonald Jones Stadium will remain at 25 per cent capacity, however there is a hope that will change.
"We're hopeful we'll be able to get to those venues opening up to larger capacities," Minister for investment and tourism Stuart Ayres said.
"All have hills, we want to be able to make sure we work through what it the most appropriate way to open up that venue.
"Optimistically I would like to say they will be open for the 1st October, but we won't be putting people at risk."
