Titans coach Craig Hodges is excited about what the Gold Coast will produce against the Melbourne Storm, particularly with Sam Stone set to make his club debut.
Stone joined the club from the Newcastle Knights prior to the June 30 deadline and after just a couple of weeks playing for Burleigh Bears in the Intrust Super Cup, the back-rower has been injected into the top grade, where he will come off the interchange bench.
The 21-year-old is one of many changes to the side for Sunday’s clash at Cbus Super Stadium, but Hodges believes an injection of fresh blood will help lift the entire group.
“No doubt it will be a special occasion (on Sunday) for Sam and his family,” Hodges said.
“He only arrived a month ago, and trained really hard. He’s played well at Burleigh, and he was buzzing around training today.
“We’re not going to ask too much of him, but the energy and excitement he’ll bring in making his club debut will be infectious for us all.”
HEAR FROM SAM STONE AHEAD OF HIS CLUB DEBUT
Kevin Proctor and Bryce Cartwright have been named to start in the edge back-row positions, but Hodges believes the versatility that Stone offers gives the staff some options when it comes to determining what role he will play on Sunday.
“His versatility is what makes him attractive,” he said.
“He’s predominantly an edge back-rower, but more recently he’s spent time in the middle at lock, so it does give us some flexibility.
“Bryce will start out wide, and then could head into the middle for some ball-playing.
“It gives us some options and flexibility, either through forced changes because of injuries or circumstances, or through game-planning, so it’s a nice position to be in.”
The Titans play the Storm this Sunday at Cbus Super Stadium at the family-friendly time of 2:00pm. Click here to get your tickets now!
