Tyrone Roberts says he’s ready to fight for his halves spot for 2017

TYRONE Roberts has shunned alcohol as the under-fire Titans playmaker fights to stave off Kane Elgey and secure his future at the Gold Coast.

TYRONE Roberts has shunned alcohol as the under-fire Titans playmaker fights to stave off Kane Elgey and secure his future at the Gold Coast.

Roberts’ happy-go-lucky demeanour at training on Tuesday masked the steely determination to maintain his union with Ashley Taylor at the Titans’ scrumbase next season.

Elgey has recovered from a knee reconstruction and it is widely expected Roberts will be axed from the five-eighth role to pair the classy left-footer with NRL rookie-of-the-year Taylor.

But Roberts has vowed to give Titans coach Neil Henry a selection migraine, insisting he won’t meekly surrender his starting guernsey.

Underlining his hunger, the 25-year-old has begun pre-season in the best shape of his career, having stayed off the booze for the past month since marrying partner Brittany.

PUNCH: Inglis weighs in on Burgess brain snap

ONE SAD GUY: Thaiday set for surgery

Tyrone Roberts during Titans training. Photos: Steve Holland

“I’m ready to fight for it (his spot) ... when February comes around that’s when the fittest and strongest guys are there,” Roberts said.

“They (Elgey and Taylor) keep me on my toes, it’s good. I love competing against them, I may be older but Kane is fit and ready to go and I have to make sure I stay with them.

“I’m pretty fit, it’s the first time in ages I’ve been doing extras. I usually love a beer but I haven’t (had a drink) since probably my wedding.

“I was overseas on holidays walking around and didn’t feel like drinking (alcohol), then I came home and I didn’t think about it.

“I’m a leader now. I was a leader last year to keep Ash humble. It’s the same this year, I am close to both of them (Elgey and Taylor), but when February comes I have to be ready to go.”

While three quality playmakers into two starting spots won’t go, Roberts has become a key member of the Titans’ renaissance.

Kane Elgey during preseason training. Picture by Scott Fletcher

When Elgey snapped his ACL in January, Roberts was a welcome Plan B. He finished the 2016 campaign with 21 games, helping steer the Titans to the finals as the senior playmaker whose experience enabled rookie Taylor to learn on the run.

This season is critical for Roberts. He is off-contract at end of 2017 and hopes to finish his career at the Titans, even if coach Neil Henry relegates him to a bench role.

“Off the back of last year the club is building and I want to be a part of it,” he said.

“I was at Newcastle for a long time and I don’t like shipping and moving. I have a family now and they love it here. For us it would be a bonus to stay at the Titans for a long time.

“I’ve been the utility before (at Newcastle), so if that comes I’m used to it. It is what it is, I can’t control that. The coach is there for a reason and I’m sure he will make the right decision.”