Peats new skipper, Hayne back in the No.1

NATHAN Peats will officially lead the Gold Coast out for the first time on Saturday after Ryan James succumbed to a shoulder injury.

James had led the side in all 22 matches this season – first as co-captain with Kevin Proctor, then solely when the Kiwi second-rower was stripped of the position for his part in a drug scandal.

In the tireless prop’s absence, Proctor has been overlooked and Peats honoured.

The NSW star has been key in pulling the squad together through a treacherous period that culminated in coach Neil Henry’s sacking on Monday.

With James admitting he has struggled coping with the high-pressure role, even turning to French-based former Titans leader Greg Bird recently, this could be a sign of the future given Peats’ high standing within the playing group.

Agnatius Paasi is back after missing two matches and will adopt James’ No.10 jersey.

The man at the centre of the Henry saga – the ever controversial Jarryd Hayne – has been named to return from an ankle injury at fullback for the clash with Canterbury.

Having had a falling out with the veteran coach, Hayne was a late withdrawal from last Thursday’s match against Parramatta in what would be Henry’s last game in charge.

Jarrod Wallace and Max King also return while Phillip Sami will start in the centres for the first time, replacing John Olive (elbow).

Assistants Terry Matterson and Craig Hodges will cocoach the side.

The 3pm kick-off at Cbus Super Stadium against the 12th-placed Bulldogs shapes as a major chance for the Titans to snap a run of five losses.

UBET has installed the home side as $1.60 favourites.

Sam Kasiano and Josh Reynolds are a chance to bolster the Bulldogs after being included in Des Hasler’s 21man squad.