Recruit Tyrone Peachey is in the mix to replace playmaker Ashley Taylor in Gold Coast’s starting line-up for Sunday’s NRL derby with Brisbane, despite reportedly wanting out of the Titans.
Under-fire halfback Taylor has been granted indefinite leave to deal with personal issues, leaving coach Garth Brennan tossing up between introducing Ryley Jacks or bringing in Peachey and moving Tyrone Roberts to No.7.
Just six months into a three-year deal, an NRL.com report claims Peachey is seeking a return to Penrith on compassionate grounds.
The 27-year-old was overlooked by NSW coach Brad Fittler for Wednesday’s State of Origin opener and is reportedly struggling to settle on the Gold Coast.
Despite that, Brennan said Peachey could start against the Broncos.
“We’ve got a couple of options there in the halves,” Brennan said.
“We’ve got Ryley Jacks … looking for an opportunity, so he’s one guy I’m having a look at. There’s also Tyrone Peachey who has played a fair bit of six there.
“I’ll make that final call tomorrow about who starts and what position.”
Brennan also confirmed on Saturday that Queensland forward Jai Arrow would back up and play in Sunday’s match.
The Broncos have been forced to make a series of changes due to Origin fatigue and injury.
Joe Ofahengaue had already been sidelined due to the badly cut knee he sustained during the second-half of his Origin debut, and coach Anthony Seibold revealed on Saturday winger Corey Oates (hip) has also been ruled out.
Back-rower Matt Gillett will be rested after playing 80 minutes for the Maroons but young forwards David Fifita and Payne Haas will both back up after making their Origin debuts.
Andrew McCullough will make his comeback from a knee injury off the bench, with Jake Turpin to start in the No.9 jersey.
Ex-Melbourne and South Sydney winger Richie Kennar will make his first appearance for the Broncos in place of Oates, while Gillett’s absence earns Jaydn Su’A a recall.
KEY MATCH STATS
* Brisbane have 19 wins from 25 NRL games against the Titans, including eight of the past nine clashes between the teams.
* Gold Coast’s 45 tries conceded this season are the most in the competition.
* Brisbane forward Alex Glenn will become the eighth player to play 250 NRL games for the club.