Injury crisis rocks Titans

Coast’s depth tested for battle against Warriors

COACH Justin Holbrook has navigated injury minefields before but he’s never experienced one as dire as he finds himself in now.

Eight Gold Coast Titans with a combined 210 NRL tries between them will watch Friday night’s clash with the New Zealand Warriors at Robina from the sidelines.

Holbrook’s starting team has scored just 160 tries, with club all-time leader Anthony

Don’s haul of 80 making up one-half of that figure.

The Titans have zero healthy centres remaining on their roster, thrusting backrow converts Bryce Cartwright and rookie Beau Fermor into unfamiliar defensive roles against a Warriors backline spearheaded by superstar Roger Tuivasa-Scheck.

Holbrook said the injury crisis was the worst he had experienced at any club.

“I don’t think I have (experienced worse),” Holbrook said.

“I’m not hard done by but it’s not ideal for sure.

“You always want your best players on the field but (injuries are) a part of the game and every club has it.”

Holbrook said the club had reviewed injuries to AJ Brimson, Philip Sami, Dale Copley, Young Tonumaipea, Jonus Pearson, Mitch Rein, Ryan

James and Kevin Proctor carefully and found that no one department was responsible.

“They were all different, not from one particular area,” he said.

“Pearson was in the gym, Sami was a ridiculous driving try, Proctor had a contact injury, Kelly was an injury from the week before and Copley and Tonumaipea were during a game – you can’t help that.

“They’re all different reasons so there’s not one part of our program that’s caused all the injuries.

“It’s a very brutal sport, rugby league, and it’s a big part of the game.

“It’s why we have depth of squad and it’s exciting to give others opportunities.”

The new-look Titans will step into the furnace against a tight-knit Warriors group who have bonded over exceptional circumstances.

Holbrook said defeating them would be a great win for the club.

“We had a tough week last week but at least this week we’ve had a normal week of training,” he said.

“We have guys playing out of position but at least we’ve had the week to prepare.

“If you play well enough to win it makes it even more special when you know you have half a dozen of your best players on the sideline. Play good enough to win and it’ll be a great win for the club.”