3 minute read

Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan says he keeps changing his mind about who will get first crack at five-eighth for the 2019 NRL season.

The contenders are queuing up and Garth Brennan admits he's still tossing and turning on the identity of Gold Coast's No.6 this season.

Halfback Ashley Taylor is expected to recover from minor off-season shoulder surgery for the Titans' round one opener against Canberra on March 17.

But his partner against the Raiders could be any of Tyrone Roberts, Tyrone Peachey, AJ Brimson or Ryley Jacks.

The returning Roberts and Taylor showed promise in 2017.

However, Kane Elgey's comeback from injury forced Roberts to the bench and eventually to the English Super League.

But the composed 27-year-old cut his stint with Warrington short and - with Elgey now at Manly - has already impressed in his return to Australia as one of the best on ground for the Indigenous All Stars on Friday.

Peachey, recruited from Penrith, played lock in the indigenous side but can fit anywhere into the backline.

Brimson was the feel-good story of Brennan's first year at the club at both fullback and five-eighth in 2018.

Former Melbourne half Jacks offers another versatile option and will be hungry for an opportunity after taking a one-year deal.

It leaves Brennan spoiled for choice, especially compared to his debut coaching season when he was forced to play an underdone Bryce Cartwright out of position alongside Taylor.

"There's so many options there and centres jumping out too," Brennan said.

"I change my mind quite often (about who will play five-eighth) and the boys have trained so well it's made it even harder for me."

Brennan has at least assured Peachey a starting berth "somewhere" and expects Taylor's support cast to offer some respite in what shapes as a crucial campaign for the 23-year-old.

"A lot got put on Ash last year; it was a big ask...," Brennan said.

"He was second in try assists and people seemed to look over that, but he didn't have a lot of help around him.

"It was 'righto Ash, win us the game' and when he didn't it was 'Ash didn't do this or that'.

"It was disappointing but now he's got some genuine help around him.

"Peach will embrace that, plus Roberts, Jacks and AJ 12 months on can win us a game and take some pressure off Ash."

The Titans will play their first trial game on Saturday against North Queensland on the Sunshine Coast before they host Brisbane on March 2.