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Copley and Lee in battle to be Hurrell's centre partner

Players pumped for Perth double header

Konrad Hurrell is set to be one Gold Coast Titans centre in round one but his partner is yet to be decided as coach Garth Brennan confronts a welcome selection headache.

Based on recent NRL experience in the centre position, Dale Copley and off-season recruit Brenko Lee would be favourites for the gig but Brennan's options don't end there.

The Titans' 2017 player of the year Anthony Don is likely to miss the early Telstra Premiership rounds with a shoulder injury and his right wing position will also be up for grabs.

The versatility of Ipswich product Phillip Sami and former Newcastle Knights and Sydney Roosters outside back Brendan Elliot has them in the frame leading into the trials against the Brisbane Broncos in Toowoomba on February 17 and the New Zealand Warriors a week later on the Sunshine Coast.

"Dale and Brenko can also play wing, and with Anthony Don having a question mark over his availability for round one there are some wing spots open as well," Brennan told NRL.com.

"Phillip Sami is in the mix and Brendan Elliot is training for that role as well, and both can play centre.  Brendan has played fullback at Newcastle and ticks a few boxes in a few different positions.

"I am lucky to have some flexibility there with all those four guys capable of playing wing and centre. That is not ruling out Tyronne Roberts-Davis who is more than capable of filling a few spots there as well."

That is what your good clubs have, a squad of 25 players who are very capable of playing first grade.

Dale Copley

Lee has not played on the left side in his career. Hurrell has moved to the right in recent years but said recently he was open to a switch if that suited the team. Copley has played left and right throughout his NRL career.

"Koni has played right centre, but it doesn't mean he can't move over to the left," Brennan said.

"Brenko is doing some work on the left and right. He may find himself on the right wing outside Konnie if he feels like he can't play on the left.

"There are options, and we'll deal with all that in the trials and then make the best decision for the team for the round-one clash with the Raiders."

First choice: Konrad Hurrell and Anthony Don.
First choice: Konrad Hurrell and Anthony Don. ©Kylie Cox/NRL Photos

With Hurrell a certain starter, Copley conceded a battle loomed with Lee for the other centre position.

"That is the competitive mindset we will both have to have," Copley, who played most of his 19 games for the Titans last year at left centre, told NRL.com.

"There is plenty of time for the coaches to work out what direction they want to go with, but having that competition in all positions will be good for the group.

"That is what your good clubs have, a squad of 25 players who are very capable of playing first grade. Last year we were probably light on in the depth department."

Acknowledgement of Country

Gold Coast Titans proudly acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout South East Queensland.