Proctor captain call

Titans forward earns back leadership position

GOLD Coast co-coach Craig Hodges has called upon a reformed Kevin Proctor to assist Tyrone Roberts steer the beleaguered Titans out of wooden spoon territory.

In a stunning personal turnaround, Kiwi Test forward Proctor was named as co-captain for the remainder of the season to reprise his 2017 role shared with Ryan James.

Proctor has a chequered past in leadership, with the Titans stripping his co-captaincy after his involvement in a drug scandal after New Zealand’s loss in the 2017 Anzac Test.

Proctor and then Kiwi captain Jesse Bromwich were identified by police on CCTV consuming a white substance outside a Canberra nightclub, prompting New Zealand to ban both players from their World Cup squad.

However, Proctor has since emerged a standout Titan in 2019, and Hodges said players are enthusiastic about his leadership return.

“The playing group responded outstandingly,” Hodges said.

“There was a big roar when we made the announcement.”

Despite Proctor’s last cocaptaincy stint lasting just seven games, Hodges is confident his second rower has the ability to take ownership and propel Gold Coast ahead with both his actions and words.

“We think that Kevin stepping up to assist Tyrone Roberts with some of the leadership responsibilities is going to strengthen us as a side,” he said.

“Putting the ‘c’ beside his name I guess just gave recognition that us as a leadership group acknowledge that, and value what he does. The qualities Kevin brings to our team, if we hold them up to showcase to everyone in our group.”

Proctor and Roberts will be further supported by the inclusion of English centre Kallum Watkins and veteran Michael Gordon’s at fullback.

Roberts combines with AJ Brimson in the halves, with Tyrone Peachey providing backline cover from the bench.