Newcastle have firmed as favourites to secure the services of off-contract St George-Illawarra NRL star Darius Boyd after the Gold Coast withdrew their offer to sign him on Monday.

The Titans, who have already pulled off a major coup signing Canterbury Bulldogs sensation Jamal Idris for next season, said Boyd had failed to meet Monday's deadline to accept their deal.

"We will now divert our efforts on other players within our sights," said Titans managing director Michael Searle on Monday.

"We wish Darius all the best with his future playing career and thank him for his engagement and interest.

"Regrettably we can no longer continue to delay other negotiations of similar importance to our club."

Boyd, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, is now likely to follow his first NRL coach Wayne Bennett from the Dragons to the Knights.

Bennett, who has signed a four-year deal with Newcastle owner Nathan Tinkler, rescued Boyd's NRL career after Brisbane failed to offer him a new deal in 2009.

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