Tyronne Roberts-Davis puts in strong case for NRL return as Gold Coast Titans battle backs injuries

A STACK of injuries to Gold Coast’s backline could open the door for Tyronne Roberts-Davis to make an NRL return.

Tyronne Roberts-Davis leaps for a high ball against Brisbane in Round 7 last year. Picture: AAP Image

A STACK of injuries to Gold Coast’s backline could open the door for Tyronne Roberts-Davis to make an NRL return.

The 20-year-old speedster, who played six games last season, bagged two tries to lift the Titans back into the contest in their 20-14 trial loss to the Warriors on Saturday night.

Roberts-Davis combined well with Konrad Hurrell on the right flank, having come on after Brendan Elliot hobbled off the field.

Recruited from Newcastle in the off-season, Elliot will undergo scans on Monday on his ankle and is in doubt for Round 1 against Canberra in a fortnight.

Brendan Elliot in action during Gold Coast’s trial against the Broncos in Toowoomba. Picture: AAP Image

Elliot joins outside backs Brenko Lee (knee) and Anthony Don (shoulder) in the recovery ward.

If none of the three are ready to take on the Raiders, the Titans backline will likely read: Michael Gordon at fullback, Phillip Sami left wing, Dale Copley left centre, Hurrell right centre and Roberts-Davis right wing.

Lee is battling a posterior cruciate ligament injury and won’t be rushed back before he is 100 per cent.

Brenko Lee. Picture: Gold Coast Titans

“He probably will be unlikely for Round 1 but we’re not ruling him out just yet,” said coach Garth Brennan.

Don meanwhile has talked up his Round 1 chances, though he was not fit to play in either trial.

Forwards Kevin Proctor and Jai Arrow missed the Warriors trial but are hoped to be right to line up against the Raiders.

In good signs for the Titans, Ryan James proved a handful on the left edge, at one stage making a scintillating 50m bust, while prop Leilani Latu showed desperation in defence including a miraculous try-saving tackle on Issac Luke.