Titans eye star duo in trial run for skipper

JARRYD Hayne and Kane Elgey have emerged as two major contenders for the Titans captaincy, with their leadership to be put to the test at this weekend’s Auckland Nines.

Gold Coast coach Neil Henry yesterday named a 19man squad for the tournament with a strong mix of NRL experience and rookie talent.

Alongside Hayne and Elgey will be first graders Tyrone Roberts, Chris McQueen and Anthony Don, with Ryan James also named as captain.

However, James – who is set to feature in the All Stars clash on February 10 – is not expected to play and could travel as the 19th man.

With only 18 required for each match, James could be the one likely to sit out.

Henry indicated this was an option yesterday, in which case Hayne and Elgey will lead the team across the weekend.

The news comes as a boost for the star pair, with Henry yet to pick a skipper for the season ahead.

James is the favourite to be named captain this year but Henry tends to favour a co- captaincy model and admitted yesterday that was still an option.

“( James) has certainly made no secret that he’d like that leadership role and to be one of the captains, or captain, of the team,” he said.

“I’ve got Ryan James there ( as Nines captain) but if he was to be 19th man, I’d say it would be Jarryd Hayne and Kane Elgey. Jarryd, being an ambassador for the tournament, he’s keen to get out there.

“Kane obviously played no footy last year, so he’s looking forward to getting back out there.”