PRESTON Campbell Medal winner Tyrone Roberts has been rewarded with the Gold Coast captaincy for the Titans’ first pre-season trial against North Queensland at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday.
Titans coach Garth Brennan today announced a 26-man squad for the Cowboys clash, with a number of younger squad members given an opportunity to impress in the club’s first official outing for 2019.
Roberts could not be in better form heading into his first game in Titans colours since 2017, having claimed the coveted Preston Campbell Medal for his man-of-the-match performance for the Indigenous All Stars in their 34-14 victory over the Maori All Stars last weekend in Melbourne.
After getting through the All Stars game injury-free, the Ballina product had no hesitation when asked if he wanted to play this weekend.
“I’d rather play than train,” Roberts said. “You learn a lot more from playing alongside your teammates than at training.
“Garth and I spoke before the All Stars match about me playing in all the trials, so I’ll just manage myself through that.”
Didn't see the squad selected, click here.
The 27-year-old was honoured to have received the news from Brennan this morning regarding the captaincy.
“For me personally, it is (an honour),” he added.
“I consider myself a bit of a leader in the group so it’s great to have that responsibility. I want to be that person that people can come to.
“I’m honoured to be playing and being captain is a bonus. I can’t wait, and the other boys are excited as well.”
Brennan has elected to rest a number of his bigger-name players, but that in turn has opened the door for the likes of Burleigh half, Dylan Phythian, who will partner Roberts in the halves.
“He’s got a bit of experience in the NRL, and I know him from the Knights,” Roberts said of Phythian.
“I’ve got all the faith in him to partner me in the halves. He knows what his role is, and I know he’ll do that to the best of his ability.”
The Titans travel north tomorrow (Thursday) ahead of Saturday’s match at Sunshine Coast Stadium. For all the game day details and ticketing information, click here.
