Big Titan’s year in the balance

BOOM Gold Coast forward Morgan Boyle’s season could already be hanging by a thread.

The Bulletin has learnt the front-row giant had a brutal collision with Jarrod Wallace at training last week in a moment that could prove costly.

Boyle is already in doubt to be ready for Round 1 next month and his availability in any case will hinge on a rehab program being able to prevent the need for major surgery, Titans head of performance Hayden Knowles revealed.

“He had some stitches in his head and a shoulder injury,” Knowles said. “I’m not sure exactly when he will be back but he will be in for rehab training over the next month.

“In situations like that you hope you can rehab it and get through the season or otherwise, if any surgeries are required on a shoulder, it’s a lengthy time off.”

Ryan Simpkins is also set for a delayed start to the season, having required a further operation recently on the knee he injured last May.

“He had to go and get more work done on his knee, a bit of a cleanout,” Knowles said.

“It’s one of those things where we don’t want to rush him. It’s all coming along OK.”

Anthony Don and Jack Stockwell are others in the recovery ward but in better news, star Nathan Peats is firming to be available to play in the club’s pre-season trial against the Warriors on February 24.