REIN’S REIGN UNDER THREAT FROM PEATS’ RETURN
THE form of Mitch Rein is creating a looming headache for Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan as he celebrates a welcome return to the NRL winners’ circle.
The Titans dug deep to overcome Manly 36-18 at Lottoland on Friday night.
Rein again did a more than solid job out of dummyhalf, with 40 tackles and 75 run metres.
Brennan has opted for an 80-minute hooker role this year, meaning Rein missed out on NRL action altogether in the opening two weeks of the season, with Nathan Peats preferred.
Having played reserve grade for Tweed Seagulls, Rein only had to wait until Round 3 for an opportunity in the Titans No.9 jersey, with Peats sidelined for an extended period due to a pectoral injury.
The former NSW Origin rake is a vocal leader within the squad and is two to three weeks away from returning.
“He has trained really well and he is chomping at the bit to get out there,” Brennan said.
“The team probably misses Peatsy a little bit at the moment with his competitiveness and his nature in itself: He holds people to account when he is out there.
“He is good to have around. In a few weeks’ time he will be back annoying everyone and yelling at people, which will be good.”
Brennan admitted he would have some thinking to do, given Rein’s form.
“Mitch is playing some really good football as well so it will be a good headache to have, that’s for sure.”
■ GOLD Coast are set to lose rising NRL prospect Jaxson Paulo to a rival club as soon as this week.
Paulo is on the verge of taking up an opportunity to sign with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The outside back has been on a Titans development contract and has been biding his time at the Burleigh Bears in Rugby League Gold Coast A-grade.
While it’s understood a deal is yet to be officially completed, officials are resigned to the fact Paulo is Redfern-bound.