Kevin Proctor indifferent over Titans captaincy call, reveals Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has Covid

Kevin Proctor has addressed speculation about his captaincy future and revealed why Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has been unsighted at training recently.

GOLD Coast Titans captain Kevin Proctor has addressed speculation about his future in the role while also confirming his mooted successor remains locked away in Covid-19 isolation.

Proctor, 32, has resumed pre-season training ahead of his 15th NRL season after being one of many Titans sidelined earlier this month due to Covid-19.

However prospective future captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui remains unsighted at training and Proctor revealed why.

Titans incumbent skipper Kevin Proctor says his leadership will not change if he is no longer the club’s captain this season. (Photo by Dan Peled/Getty Images)

“He was a close contact so he had to (stay) home – but he didn’t have it,” Proctor explained.

“And then after like five days of being isolated with a close contact he ended up getting it (Covid) so he has to do another seven days (of isolation).

“He’s doing all right though, he’s in good spirits and he’s naturally pretty fit so he’ll come back all right.”

For his part Proctor said his Covid symptoms were mostly mild though it still took some time to get back up to speed after the time off.

“I lost my appetite, I felt it hard to breathe sometimes but other than that I was OK,” he said.

“I didn’t have any coughing or illness or that. It wasn’t too bad but I’m sure it affects other people differently.

“The first couple of sessions … it was heavy breathing, shortness of breath. I’m not sure if that was due to Covid or because I hadn’t trained in two or three weeks. But I reckon it definitely affects you.”

While the bulk of the Titans playing group has returned to training, Tino and Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, and Jayden Campbell, remain in Covid-19 isolation.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (middle) is isolating with Covid-19 while AJ Brimson (left) and Toby Sexton missed Thursday’s training session with injury. Picture Glenn Hampson

AJ Brimson and Toby Sexton also did not participate in Thursday morning’s session, with a club spokesman confirming both were dealing with minor injuries.

As February’s pre-season trials edge closer interest in the Titans’ captaincy rises.

With Proctor’s future beyond this season still up in the air the incumbent captain played down any talk of the role.

“To be honest, ‘C’ next to my name or not, it’s not going to change what I do,” he said.

“It’s obviously a massive privilege but it doesn’t change what I do on and off the field anyway. It’s just a title to me.

“Whatever way the club goes I’m sure they’re doing it in the best interests of the club. I’m easy (with that).”

Originally published as Kevin Proctor indifferent over Titans captaincy call, reveals Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has Covid