‘He’s right’: NRL star Patrick Herbert set to play with facial fracture

Gold Coast’s Patrick Herbert will take to the field against the Sydney Roosters after being cleared to play by a specialist during the week.

Patrick Herbert is good to go. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Patrick Herbert, the man who copped the blame for the Gold Coast Titans’ qualifying final loss to the Sydney Roosters, will play with a fractured cheekbone in the rematch on Saturday.

The Titans confirmed during the week that Herbert would consult with a specialist to determine the extent of his injury.

Coach Justin Holbrook revealed on Friday that Herbert had been cleared to play in round 9.

“He’s right, which is terrific,” Holbrook said.

“He’s been playing fantastic for us all year, Patty. It’ll be great to have him out there tomorrow.”

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Patrick Herbert will play against the Roosters with a fractured cheekbone. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Herbert has impressed his coach this season, but his last game of 2021 was one to forget.

Had Herbert passed to an unmarked Corey Thompson in the final minute of the qualifying final against the Roosters, Gold Coast would’ve advanced past the first week of the finals for the first time since 2010.

But ahead of the rematch, Holbrook said the Titans would be motivated by improving their ladder position, not exorcising their finals demons.

The Titans sit 12th on the ladder after eight rounds with two victories to their name but could slip to 16th if they lose to the Roosters, pending other results.

“Obviously, it’d be great to win,” he said.

“It’s not about revenge, just where we’re sitting (on the ladder). That’s why it’s so important to us.”

Justin Holbrook’s Titans are desperate for a win. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Holbrook’s Titans led reigning premiers the Penrith Panthers at halftime of last week’s game, giving the coach reason to believe his side is on the up.

“We’ve been in every game bar one. That’s always a sign that everyone’s working hard and sticking at it. We’ve just fallen short a few times,” he said.

Holbrook said the Titans needed only look at their NRL rivals for proof they could get their season back on track.

“Plenty of other teams have shown … the Dragons have now won three in a row, the Broncos three in a row,” he said.

“We’re not a million miles off.

“There’s no big alarm bells needed but some wins would be great, that’s for sure.”

Marquee big man David Fifita has picked up a knee injury and will miss the clash with the Roosters, bringing Sam McIntyre into the side for his second game of the year.