Titans to rush import Joe Greenwood into NRL as cover for growing injury crisis

TITANS coach Neil Henry is looking to fast-track English import Joe Greenwood into the NRL as the Gold Coast deal with a growing injury crisis.

Joe Greenwood is ready to come to the Titans’ aid. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

TITANS coach Neil Henry is looking to fast-track English import Joe Greenwood into the NRL as the Gold Coast deal with an injury crisis on the verge of the season.

Greenwood is pushing to play in the Gold Coast’s Round 1 clash against Sydney Roosters at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday week signing with the Titans as part of a swap deal with Zeb Taia.

The St Helens forward is awaiting a visa to travel to Australia and if he is able to train next week he will be rushed on to the Titans’ bench.

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Joe Greenwood is ready to come to the Titans’ aid. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Greenwood, 23, played in the opening of the Super League recently and is raring to commence his NRL career after being recommended to the club by foundation Titans forward Anthony Laffranchi, who played alongside him at St Helens.

“I’ve always wanted to challenge myself,” Greenwood said. “When I was young I was always wondering what it’s like over there (in the NRL).

“The opportunity has come and I’ve gone for it. There were a few other clubs interested. We’d been negotiating since October.

“Gold Coast have been really looking after me already. It could be a couple of days or weeks (until I arrive). We’re waiting on the visa application to get processed.

“They’re trying to push to get me to play for Round 1, depending on how I settle in with the jet lag and heat. I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be ready to go for Round 1.”

The Titans hold high hopes for Greenwood, who has been identified as a possible future England Test player.

At 190cm and 105kg, he is an impressive size for a backrower and has been recruited with the view of interchanging with left-edge forward Chris McQueen given Storm recruit Kevin Proctor will play 80 minutes on the right.

“Anthony Laffranchi had a wrap on him as a young kid when he was playing at St Helens,” Henry said.

“He was on the fringe for English selection. He’s played a few handy games for St Helens. He was keen to test himself in the Australian game.

“He could come into contention for a bench spot (in Round 1) but he might not even be here by that stage. If he’s not here early next week it’d be very hard for him to play Round 1.”

Henry said Tyrone Roberts will play hooker for the Titans in Round 1 with Nathan Peats (shoulder), Pat Polotoni (broken arm) and Ryan Simpkins (ribs) sidelined.