Tyler Cornish to be thrust into NRL spotlight for Titans against Parramatta
TYLER Cornish is the Gold Coast’s $3000 replacement for million dollar man Jarryd Hayne.
Cornish, 22, will be thrust into his NRL debut in place of the injured Hayne against Parramatta at Cbus Super Stadium on Friday night.
One of the NRL’s most marketable faces, Hayne signed a $2.4 million deal with the Titans late last season after returning from a stint in the NFL.
He has been sidelined for at least a month by an ankle injury and coach Neil Henry has thrown the No.1 jersey to Cornish.
Tyler Cornish has a huge chance to impress. Photo: Mike Batterham
Cornish, who spent last season with Sydney Roosters feeder club Wyong, signed with the Burleigh Bears for the 2017 Intrust Super Cup season and was offered a six-week pre-season training stint with the Titans as an incentive.
Cornish impressed Henry and was given a six-week extension with the Titans, earning less than $1000 a week. He is not even listed on the club’s website.
While Hayne’s salary equates to about $40,000 a game, Cornish will pocket a $3000 match payment for his efforts against the Eels.
“He just needs to get out there and soak up the experience,” Henry said.
“Tyler’s trained at fullback for a significant part of the pre-season with Jarryd being out with his knee. He’s used to that role at training. It’s different on the big stage. He’s got a good game sense.
“We saw in the (Auckland) Nines he’s fairly sharp on his feet. He got a couple of line breaks there and scored a nice try. He’ll need to bring that and be safe under the (high) ball. It’s a tough job.’’
Cornish spent the pre-season training between the halves and fullback. He showed glimpses of his potential at the Nines and Titans co-captain Ryan James said Cornish could surprise people.
“He’s not the biggest player but he’s quick and has got a step,” James said.
“He seems to be a very humble bloke. He is a hard worker. He was always at the front at pre-season training.
“He’s more of a halfback but he can get the job done. I believe he will be great for us.”
The Titans are desperate for a win after disappointing losses to the Roosters and Knights to start the season.
Henry put the onus on the club’s experienced players to stand up given the injury struggles the Titans are facing.
“It’s up to our other guys to do their job and lift and not expect the young guys are going to carry the team,” Henry said.
“We’ve got enough experience on the park. There is enough footballers out there that have played a lot of first grade.
“We need everyone to step up. Last week it was some of our more experienced guys that really didn’t aim up defensively. We need to address that.’’
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