Kevin Proctor, Ryan James to be announced as Gold Coast Titans co-captains

KEVIN Proctor’s apprenticeship alongside Melbourne’s “big three” was the catalyst for his elevation to the Gold Coast Titans co-captaincy.

Nine seasons at the Storm has boosted Kevin Proctor’s leadership qualities. Picture: Steve Holland

KEVIN Proctor’s apprenticeship alongside Melbourne’s “big three” was the catalyst for his elevation to the Gold Coast Titans co-captaincy.

Proctor and Ryan James will be announced as joint leaders of the Titans at the club’s season launch on Thursday.

James, 25, was considered a logical choice for the role, having come through the Gold Coast’s junior grades and recently recommitting to the club for a further four seasons.

Proctor, a New Zealand product who went to school on the Gold Coast, has had limited training time with his new teammates since joining the Titans because of a knee injury.

But his nine seasons playing alongside Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater has boosted his leadership qualities, according to coach Neil Henry.

Nine seasons at the Storm has boosted Kevin Proctor’s leadership qualities. Picture: Steve Holland

“He is a standout (with his leadership) coming from a good system,” Henry said.

“He’s been part of a leadership group down in Melbourne.

“They’ve got some quality leaders down there and have had for a number of years.

“Bringing that to this club is important to us and he’ll complement what we’ve got here already.

“We’ve lost a fair bit of experience with Greg Bird and Luke Douglas and those guys moving on. We needed him to come in with that experience.”

Ryan James was a logical choice for the Titans captaincy.

Proctor has only had a handful of ballwork sessions with his teammates, but will be fit for the Gold Coast’s season-opener against Sydney on March 4.

Henry said the Kiwi Test forward had spent enough time around the team to be ready for his Titans debut.

“He had a few runs before he injured his knee,” Henry said.

Kevin Proctor will be ready for Round 1. Picture: Steve Holland

“He’s always around with our team meetings, reviews and weights. His presence is still at the club.

“He likes to trial. He was really trying to get ready to play against the Warriors (last Saturday). I don’t think he’s missed a trial in 10 years at Melbourne.

“He just wanted to get out there and play but it was a little bit too soon for him.

“He’s running well and been into some contact work as well. He’s been tackled and made tackles.

“I expect him to be raring to go in Round 1.”

Originally published as Kevin Proctor, Ryan James to be announced as Gold Coast Titans co-captains