OLIVE OILS COAST RUN
TITAN’S BIG CHANCE
KONRAD Hurrell’s hamstring injury has opened the door for Gold Coast fringe back John Olive to stake his claim for a long-term berth.
With fan favourite Hurrell expected to be sidelined for several weeks, Olive has been promoted from the Queensland Cup to play centre in the Titans’ do-or-die NRL clash with Wests Tigers on Sunday at Cbus Super Stadium.
Olive joined the Titans from South Sydney at the start of last season on a deal to the end of 2018 but has rarely been sighted since.
The 20-year-old has spent large chunks out of action due to a broken collarbone last year and a ruptured pectoral this February. As a result, he has had just six games in Titans colours all up.
Predominantly a left side player, Olive has built form for Tweed Heads at right centre – where he’ll play on Sunday – to the point where he has caught the attention of Coast coach Neil Henry.
It could be a massive month for Olive, given an opening in the Titans’ 2018 backline may arise with winger William Zillman off-contract.
“Zilly’s form has been great, Anthony Don has probably been our most consistent back anyway and so we have been fairly stable in there. He hasn’t been able to force his way through so hopefully he takes his opportunity,” Henry said of Olive.
Henry did not rule out the possibility of in-form Zillman winning a 10th season at the club, though it is understood a contract extension would come with a significant pay cut.
“It’s whether or not we could carry him in that 30 (with young flyers Tyronne Roberts-Davis and Phillip Sami coming through),”
Henry said.
“I suppose it will come down to what offers he is able to get from other clubs as well and whether or not we can make him an offer that is going to make him happy to stay.”
Utility Karl Lawton has been named to return from injury on the bench, keeping Kane Elgey in the No.18 jersey.
Dale Copley (knee) and Kevin Proctor (leg) are battling niggles but Henry said he expects both to play against the Tigers, with Agnatius Paasi (shoulder) also likely to come into contention for the side.
In other news, the NRL yesterday handed Leivaha Pulu an $1100 fine for tripping Penrith winger Josh Mansour last Saturday.