The Gold Coast A Grade hooker Titans can’t afford to ignore

A speed merchant able to pounce on opportunities from dummyhalf could be the missing link to bring out the best of a struggling Titans pack. The reigning Gold Coast Rugby League A Grade MVP is certainly that.

Rugby League Gold Coast semi-final between Runaway Bay and Tweed Heads at Bycroft Oval, Runaway Bay, on Sunday. Runaway Bay's Jenan Wedderburn-Parrish . Picture: Jerad Wiliams

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THE NRL’s new six-again ruling could be the catalyst for a new generation of hookers on the Gold Coast – and there is one already set to fire.

Mitch Rein and Nathan Peats have already tried and failed to secure the Titans’ No.9 jersey under Justin Holbrook, thrusting NRL rookie Erin Clark into the hot seat.

Clark’s back-up is 19-year-old halfback Tanah Boyd, who has never played the position.

The time to seek out a creative solution is now as the NRL’s new six-again rule sends the hooker position soaring in value.

A speed merchant able to pounce on opportunities from dummyhalf could be the missing link to bring out the best of a struggling Titans pack.

Rugby League Gold Coast semi-final between Runaway Bay and Tweed Heads at Bycroft Oval, Runaway Bay, on Sunday. Runaway Bay's Jenan Wedderburn-Parrish . Picture: Jerad Wiliams

Reigning Gold Coast Rugby League A Grade MVP Jenan Wedderburn-Parrish is certainly that.

The 24-year-old Runaway Bay hooker was the competition’s leading tryscorer in 2019 and finished in the top-three the season before.

“Seeing the speed of the ruck in the NRL is what us running hookers have been dreaming of,” Wedderburn-Parrish said.

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“It’s what we ask for every game that we play, for something like that to open up for us.

“The rule change will shine a spotlight on running hookers and hopefully that opens up (an opportunity) for me.”

Rugby League Gold Coast elimination semi final - Tugun vs. Runaway Bay. Photo of Jenan Wedderburn-Parrish

Runaway Bay coach Nick Gleeson said the 2013 Australian Schoolboys representative had the potential to flourish in the new NRL.

“With the right pathway anything would be possible for Jenan,” Gleeson said.

“Our style of footy is based around Jenan, he’s a running hooker so he likes to get out and go.

“(The six-again rule) would be perfect for him because he loves quick taps and getting out of dummyhalf.

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“It would be a massive step up but with his speed and size something like that could work for him.

“If he got an opportunity somewhere he’d be good for anyone in the comp.”

Titans recruitment manager Ezra Howe and culture boss Mal Meninga would be wise to monitor the local competition to find undervalued talent with the potential to flourish in a professional training environment.