Gold Coast Titans hooker Mitch Rein defends former Penrith teammate Bryce Cartwright

TITANS hooker Mitch Rein says he could understand if the constant heavy criticism is getting to his former Penrith teammate Bryce Cartwright.

TITANS hooker Mitch Rein says he could understand if the constant heavy criticism is getting to his former Penrith teammate Bryce Cartwright.

The high-profile Gold Coast recruit has been under the microscope during the opening 10 rounds of the NRL season and that scrutiny has only intensified in recent weeks following some shocking defensive displays.

Cartwright missed seven tackles against the Raiders in Round 9 and then was slammed for his non-attempt to stop Melbourne pivot Cameron Munster from scoring on Saturday night.

Rein, who spent 2017 at the Panthers alongside the utility, said it was hard to ignore the flak being directed at the 23-year-old.

Mitch Rein. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“He has been copping a fair bit of criticism, like every time I seem to be going on my phone and that, he is copping a lot of s**t and in the paper and from everyone,” Rein said.

“To be honest I haven’t spoken to him about it but if everyone is coming at you 24/7, you would have to buy a little bit into it.

“But he is probably blocking it out and doing everything he can to get better and that’s all we can really ask of him.

“He’s a great player and everyone knows how skilful he is. He is working really hard to do everything he can.

“I mean those things take time. It’s not like he is not working hard.

“He will get there and will improve on those deficiencies that he has in his game.”

Rein is likely to receive reinforcements in the dummy-half department shortly, with Nathan Peats expected to return from a rib injury on Saturday against Newcastle.

Jai Arrow (ribs) is also a fair chance to return, though Kevin Proctor (groin), Will Matthews and Jack Stockwell (both concussion) are all in doubt to face the Knights at Cbus Super Stadium.