Tyrone Roberts to captain Gold Coast Titans in NRL trial against North Queensland Cowboys

Tyrone Roberts has hailed the chance to lead the Titans out in his first game back in Gold Coast colours as an honour.

TYRONE Roberts has hailed the chance to lead the Titans out in his first game back in Gold Coast colours as an honour.

The 27-year-old was a popular figure at the club in making 41 appearances across 2016 and 2017 before a one-year English Super League stint with Warrington.

The Ballina product is back with the ambition of partnering good mate Ash Taylor in the halves but first will start alongside train-and-trial prospect Dylan Phythian in the club’s opening trial against North Queensland on Saturday night.

Tyrone Roberts. Picture: Jerad Williams

“He has got a bit of experience,” Roberts said of his trial halves partner.

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“I know him from Newcastle so I have got all of the faith in him to partner me up in the halves and I’m sure that he knows what his role is and he will do that to the best of his ability.”

Phythian, 23, played three games for the Knights before his NRL career was derailed by a second knee construction and a drug suspension. A mid-season lifeline from Burleigh last year has reignited the utility’s dream.

Dylan Phythian at Gold Coast Titans pre-season training. Picture: Titans Media

As for captaining, Roberts admitted it’s a role he has little experience in but is looking forward to the challenge.

“I think anyone who has a ‘c’ next to his name is considered a leader of the group so it’s great to have that responsibility,” he said.

“I consider myself a leader in the group anyway so I think for the boys, I’m a player that they can come to if they need anything.”

Roberts was outstanding for the Indigenous All Stars last Friday. Picture: Getty Images

Roberts started his campaign for a permanent halves jersey in style by being awarded the Preston Campbell Medal for best on ground in the All Stars match last Friday.

“I’m training in the halves. That’s where I’m training so that’s where my head is at, at this stage,” he said.

A raft of fresh faces will take on the Cowboys, with Ryan James, Ash Taylor, Tyrone Peachey, Jai Arrow and several other big names sitting out the 5pm kick-off at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

Jesse Arthars will have the No.1 on his back. Picture: Richard Gosling

Along with Phythian, points of interest will include the performances of Jesse Arthars at fullback and Bryce Cartwright at second-row.

Titans trial team: 1. Jesse Arthars, 2. Anthony Don, 3. Brenko Lee, 4. Brian Kelly, 5. Phillip Sami, 6. Dylan Phythian, 7. Tyrone Roberts (c), 8. Jack Stockwell, 9. Mitch Rein, 10. Moeaki Fotuaika, 11. Bryce Cartwright, 12. Will Matthews, 13. Max King. Interchange: 14. Christian Hazard, 15. Morgan Boyle, 16. Jai Whitbread, 17. Leilani Latu, 18. John Palavi, 19. Darius Farmer, 20. Jaxson Paulo, 21. Kai O’Donnell, 22. Ben Thomas, 23. Ioana Seiuli, 24. Kea Pere, 25. Treymain Spry, 26. Jacob Hind.