League stars push claim for country berth

Two country lads from the Clarence appear odds-on to return to their roots at Mudgee in under a fortnight when NSW Country clashes with its Cty rival.

Tyrone Roberts of the Titans scores during the Round 8 NRL match between the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and the Gold Coast Titans at Southern Cross Group Stadium in Sydney, Saturday, April 22, 2017. (AAP Image/Craig Golding) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Picture: CRAIG GOLDING/AAP

RUGBY LEAGUE: Two country lads from the Clarence appear odds-on to return to their roots in under a fortnight when NSW Country clashes with its City rival at Mudgee.

In-form Gold Coast Titans duo Anthony Don and Tyrone Roberts fast-tracked their applications for Country selection during the club's gutsy 16-12 win over reigning premiers Cronulla Sharks.

Former Australian Kangaroo Jarryd Hayne also sent a clear message to Laurie Daley and his team of NSW State of Origin selectors.

Hayne popped up all over the park - none better than his efforts down the right with Don and Konrad Hurrell - to be awarded the Anzac Medal for player of the match.

Anthony Don of the Titans tackled by Jayden Brailey and Paul Gallen of the Sharks during the Round 8 NRL match between the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and the Gold Coast Titans at Southern Cross Group Stadium in Sydney, Saturday, April 22, 2017. (AAP Image/Craig Golding) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Picture: CRAIG GOLDING/AAP

Grafton-born Roberts was the first to stake his claim for a Country berth and also send a reminder to Titans officials about his impending contract end.

Taking the line on, faking to throw it short, the out-of-position Roberts sliced in between Paul Gallen and Chad Townsend for the opening four-pointer. With the return of Hayne, Roberts moved into the five-eighth role for a missing Kane Elgey.

Former Grafton Ghosts' junior Don almost equalled his five-eighth with a driving effort against Sharks winger Kurt Capewell but insufficient evidence on video replays could not overturn the referee's on-field decision of 'no try'.

But Don's shining moment came in the dying seconds of the game after the Sharks managed to reclaim the ball off the kick-off after Leivaha Pulu scored the second of his match-winnng double.

With Cronulla chasing a potential match-winning repeat set - a common feature for both sides throughout the 80 minutes - Don managed to clean up an in-goal grubber before sprinting 30m across field and barging his way back into the field of play.

>> WATCH: Full NRL highlights of Gold Coast Titans' 16-12 win over Cronulla Sharks

Legendary Country Origin workhorse Steve 'Blocker' Roach was the first to show his support for Don, claiming the speedster's match-saving effort the "play of the day".

Don is aiming for his first NSW Country Origin selection in the final 'celebration' of the concept at Mudgee next month on May 7.

Originally published as League stars push claim for country berth