Jacks’ jump to Coast a boost for half Taylor

THE Titans have bolstered their playmaking ranks by snaring Melbourne halfback Ryley Jacks in a move to break the shackles on Maroons hopeful Ash Taylor.

Jacks will ink a one-year deal with the Gold Coast today as coach Garth Brennan beefs up his squad ahead of a 2019 finals assault.

Brennan was hamstrung at times throughout last season as he searched for a playmaking partner to complement the talented Taylor.

Kane Elgey and Bryce Cartwright flopped in the No.6 jersey before teenage rookie AJ Brimson starred in the second half of his debut season.

Brimson is expected to shift to his best position of fullback next year and Brennan has recruited Jacks and Tyrone Roberts as potential halves partners for Taylor.

Jacks, 26, will arrive at the Gold Coast after two seasons at Melbourne where he racked up an impressive 20 wins from 25 NRL games.

The former Burleigh Bears No.7 was on the verge of signing with Canberra before committing to the Titans.

Former Titans football manager Scott Sattler has worked closely with Jacks and said he was the perfect foil for Taylor, who struggled at times last season under the burden of a $1 million-a-year contract.

“Players at the Melbourne Storm develop good work ethics and Ryley would bring that to the Titans,” he said.

“He would be good for the Titans for two reasons. One because of his strong work ethic and two, because Garth Brennan is a rookie coach, Ryley can be like a second coach on the field executing game plans.

“I just think he would be a good foil and role model for Ash Taylor.”

Jacks joins Canberra’s Test prop Shannon Boyd and Panthers utility Tyrone Peachey as Brennan’s major recruits.

Brennan has also secured the signature of hooker Mitch Rein for a further three seasons.