No half measures
Elgey’s excitement at full tilt as Titans prepare for NRL opener
GOLD Coast halfback Kane Elgey will need to conquer a bundle of nerves in his first NRL game in 19 months but is confident he can build back to his best.
Elgey has completed a trouble-free pre-season but the big test in his return from a knee reconstruction comes on Saturday in the Titans NRL season opener against the Sydney Roosters at Cbus Super Stadium.
“There’s a bit of pressure, they’re all saying come back and play the same but obviously it’s going to be pretty nerveracking,” Elgey said.
“I’m excited, get through that first one and just build from there and obviously have a good year.”
The Titans have four home fixtures in the opening six rounds and Elgey said it was imperative they capitalise on that opportunity to turn their Robina field into a cauldron. Melbourne and North Queensland have made a habit of underpinning their run to finals football by building an imposing record at home. Elgey believes fans can play their part in helping the Titans.
“There’s no better feeling than when you run out and there is a full crowd,” the 23-year-old admitted.
“Winning games in the end, that’s probably the massive thing, so if we
can win games, more people get behind us.”
Having enjoyed a weekend off, the Titans will resume training today and turn their attention to a Sydney Roosters outfit many believe will be significant improvers in 2017. Though Elgey said it was important to worry about their own performance, he expects the Roosters to be a much tougher prospect than the outfit that won just six games last year.
“We’ll be straight into having a look at them,” Elgey said.
“The Roosters are going to be a tough one for the first game because they have got a good side.
“We’ll do some video on them (today) and find some weaknesses.”
It is yet to be determined who will be Elgey’s left-edge bodyguard. Consistent veteran Zeb Taia slotted into that position last year but his sudden departure from the club leaves Chris McQueen, Leivaha Pulu or new English recruit Joe Greenwood vying for that role.