Injury struck Titans name Gold Coast rookie Tyler Cornish as Jarryd Hayne’s replacement

TYLER Cornish was meant to be Burleigh’s answer for a skilled playmaker, but on Friday night he will become the Titans’ answer for an injured Jarryd Hayne.

Tyler Cornish looks set for a big step up. Photo: Mike Batterham

TYLER Cornish was meant to be Burleigh’s answer for a skilled playmaker this season, but on Friday night he will instead become the Titans’ answer for an injured Jarryd Hayne.

Coach Neil Henry named the Gold Coast newcomer for his NRL debut, with Cornish to wear the No.1 jersey for the injury-ravaged Titans against Parramatta.

It is a whirlwind debut for the 22-year-old, who has played just one match for Burleigh.

The young playmaker came to the Gold Coast from the Roosters where he had played with the under-20s side and state league team, Wyong Roos.

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Tyler Cornish looks set for a big step up. Photo: Mike Batterham

It was Burleigh coach Jim Lenihan who chased Cornish for season 2017, with the Titans putting him on a train and trial contract to help lure him north.

Lenihan said when he knew playmakers Jamal Fogarty (Parramatta) and Cameron Cullen (Manly) were leaving, he started looking around for potential replacements and it was then-Roosters recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan who recommended Cornish.

“(O’Sullivan) rated him highly as a football player,” Lenihan said.

“He looked good on the vision and from the reports I was getting from Peter, who I certainly trust, he appeared to be a really good bloke and player.

“He’s certainly done everything right since arriving. He did the full pre-season with the Titans and is a very skilful player who can play anywhere in the backline.

“It’s a great story to show that perseverance and working hard does get you those opportunities.”

Titans chief operating officer Tony Mestrov said that while Cornish certainly came to the club because he was on Burleigh’s radar, he had greatly impressed Henry with his performances at the Auckland Nines and in the pre-season trials.

As the Titans deal with their injury crisis, Mestrov said he was not surprised to see Cornish earn a debut.

“He’s come along a lot quicker than we all thought,” Mestrov said.

“When you do have situations like this, it’s good to know we can call upon (train and trial players). It does make these decisions worthwhile.”

Dan Sarginson (knee), Will Zillman (calf) and Ryan Simpkins (rib) will all return from injury against the Eels on Friday to help the depleted Titans side.

Originally published as Injury struck Titans name Gold Coast rookie Tyler Cornish as Jarryd Hayne’s replacement