As the Greg Inglis contract saga drags into a fourth week the NRL team most favoured to snare his expensive signature continues to play a patient game.

After putting the first offer to Inglis's agent on July 12, followed by a slightly amended two-year deal two days later, the Broncos have watched as South Sydney owner Russell Crowe circled and then the Gold Coast weighed in this week with a late and possibly larger, bid.

While all this was happening, Melbourne were cobbling together every dollar they could muster under the 2011 salary cap to prevent Inglis from busting up their "Fab Four" which includes Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk.

With all cards on the table the only thing delaying an announcement is the NRL.

Agent Allan Gainey had talks with officials mid-week but it's understood NRL salary cap auditor Ian Schubert was not ready to sign off on any deal.

Melbourne, who have already released several players to get under the cap next season, have become more confident about keeping their superstar Test and Origin centre but the Broncos are not any less confident he'll head north to join his fiancee Sally Robinson who has taken a new job in Brisbane.

"We're in the same place we were a few weeks ago and we're just waiting to hear back (from Inglis)," Brisbane's recruitment chief Andrew Gee told AAP on Friday.

"It's totally out of our hands.

"We don't really have anything to say other than we're still waiting like we have been since we made Greg the offer."

Gainey, who was happy to return calls a few weeks ago, failed to respond to AAP's numerous attempts this week for an official update.

Inglis attended a BBQ earlier this week with Titans coach John Cartwright, chief executive Michael Searle plus players Scott Prince and Preston Campbell who is Inglis's cousin.

While it's understood the Titans may have offered Inglis more cash than the Broncos, it's believed he wants to be in the capital with his fiancee and also play a season or two at club level with his Queensland and Australian captain Darren Lockyer.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP