Bryce sees Ash as key

New lock says No.7 gives him a chance to shine

THE comparisons between Nathan Cleary and Ash Taylor keep coming, with Gold Coast recruit Bryce Cartwright believing the Titans No.7 can replicate Cleary’s role in driving his best form.

Cartwright will line up at lock in Sunday’s season opener against the Canberra Raiders and has been handed a roving commission by coach Garth Brennan, who wants to make the most of his ball-playing ability.

While Cartwright played in the halves in his breakout year in 2016 – a season in which he was on the cusp of Origin selection – Cleary ran the team, allowing Cartwright the freedom to play a more unstructured role.

“I had Nathan Cleary then and he was running the whole show and I could just do what I’m doing now – just go all over the field and link up with the halves,” Cartwright said.

“I was lucky then, Nathan’s a freak of a player and an amazing talent and I was just lucky to be able to play with him. He guided the team around and I was just able to do my thing on the field.”

He sees the possibility for Taylor to play a similar role at the Titans.

“Ash does some things on the field that no one else can do and I’m excited to play with him and get some combinations with him,” Cartwright said. “I played against Kane Elgey as well growing up and I’ve always been a fan of him, he’s very skilful along with Ash.

“It’s going to take some time to get used to each other but they’re two really skilful players that I can’t wait to get a combo with.”

Cartwright adds a ballplayer the Gold Coast missed last year and is excited to embrace Brennan’s ideas for his lock.

“They treat the locks as another prop these days,” Cartwright said.

“I’m lucky enough that Brenno gives me the free roam to do a bit of ball-playing.”