Titans rookie Tanah Boyd shows off versatility ahead of arrival of new coach Justin Holbrook

TITANS rookie Tanah Boyd says his NRL baptism has given him the belief he can handle any role given to him by incoming coach Justin Holbrook in 2020.

TITANS rookie Tanah Boyd says his NRL baptism has given him the belief he can handle any role given to him by incoming coach Justin Holbrook in 2020.

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Having joined the Titans from Brisbane in June in search of greater first grade opportunities, the 19-year-old halfback’s decision paid dividends with appearances for the Gold Coast in the last two rounds of the regular season.

He made his NRL debut after coming off the bench for a 30-minute cameo at dummy half in the 38-4 loss to Newcastle in Round 24, before starting in his preferred no.7 in Sunday’s 24-16 loss at home to St George-Illawarra.

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While he will battle with the likes of Ash Taylor, Tyrone Roberts and Ryley Jacks for a spot in the halves next season, Boyd said he hoped Holbrook would see value in his versatility when he arrived at the club for pre-season.

“I was reasonably happy (with how I went),” Boyd, an Australian Schoolboys representative while at Keebra Park in 2017, said.

Tanah Boyd in action for the Titans against St George-Illawarra. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

“I had a pretty simple job (on debut) and that was just to make my tackles and pass out in front. I thought I did that pretty well and I’m just hoping I can get another crack (next season) and go from there.

“I just want to play consistent NRL footy - that’s the goal - and keep improving my game. That was the reason why I moved, to get the opportunity, and I was just fortunate enough to get that.

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“I’ve just got to take it with both hands and I thought I did that.”

After helping Keebra claim the NRL National Schoolboys Cup two years ago, Boyd spent the 2018 season training with the Broncos and playing for Souths Logan in the Intrust Super Cup.

Despite his tender years, he said the transition from schoolboy football to the professional ranks had been made easier by his time under Keebra coach Glen Campbell.

“Mr Campbell and the training here got us ready for it so it wasn’t too difficult. The only difference is the physicality and bigger bodies and all that, but training-wise it was pretty easy,” said Boyd, who returned to the school earlier this month for a junior development clinic.

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“It’s always good to get back and see the old faces, especially Mr Campbell. He was a big part of my development as a footy player and he installed a lot of things in my game.”