The Holden Cup player of the year in 2014, Titans halfback Kane Elgey, has been called into the Pivotal Homes Nines squad for this weekend’s Auckland Nines at Eden Park.
The 20-year-old Australian Schoolboys international will make his debut for the club in first grade in the two-day tournament, one of two changes to the initial squad. He comes in for utility Davin Crampton who is carrying a slight shoulder injury while Matthew White will replace Luke Douglas in the front row.
In another late change on Thursday, forward Ryan James was ruled out as a precaution due to a calf strain. He has been replaced by 23-year-old triallist Jai Ingram who was an under-20s player with North Queensland and Melbourne and last season played with Norths Devils in the Intrust Super Cup.
“It’s a great opportunity for Kane to taste senior football and he has deserved his opportunity with his attitude in pre-season training,” said head coach Neil Henry.
“He has been very committed in our opposed sessions and gives us extra options in the halves with Daniel Mortimer, Aiden Sezer and Christian Hazard who will spend some time at hooker [relieving Kierran Moseley].”
The Titans Pivotal Homes Auckland Nines squad is: Will Zillman (captain), James Roberts, Anthony Don, David Mead, Josh Hoffman, Brad Tighe, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Aidan Sezer, Daniel Mortimer, Christian Hazard, Kierran Moseley, Jai Ingram, Mark Ioane, Matthew White, Lachlan Burr, Kane Elgey, Dave Taylor and Matt Robinson.
The Titans’ matches are: v Warriors, 2.45pm Saturday (11.45am Qld time); v Wests Tigers, 6.15pm Saturday (3.15pm Qld); v Canberra Raiders, 1.15pm Sunday (10.15am Qld).
