Titans shut down Cowboys talk on Elgey

Mar 24, 2017 - 4:33 PM He may be unhappy with his form but Gold Coast pivot Kane Elgey has been targeted by NRL rivals North Queensland as Johnathan Thurston's replacement.

Much to Titans coach Neil Henry's annoyance.

Elgey has cut a frustrated figure for the Gold Coast after battling to regain his touch just three games into his comeback from a knee injury that sidelined him for 2016.

But Cowboys mentor Paul Green has made no secret of the fact that Elgey is in their sights with co-captain Thurston set to retire at the end of 2018.

Elgey's Titans contract expires at the same time.

However, Henry did not sound impressed that Elgey was already on Green's radar ahead of the Titans' NRL clash with North Queensland on Saturday night.

"He's contracted here for two years," he said.

"You shouldn't be speculating about a guy that's not in the last year of his contract."

Elgey has leaned heavily on form halfback Ash Taylor to spark the Titans to date this season.

As a result, Henry believed Elgey's best would come sooner rather than later.

"Kane is a hard marker, he's coming back from a year off," he said.

"He's found it a little bit difficult as we would expect.

"But the key has been Ash Taylor stepping up and taking the pressure off Kane."

Titans co-captain and ex-Melbourne backrower Kevin Proctor had no complaints with his young halves three games into his Gold Coast career.

Especially after they combined to help Gold Coast break their winning duck in last round's 26-14 upset over Parramatta.

"They are both pretty young and they are willing to learn which is a good thing," he said.

"It has been a breeze playing alongside them so far."

Ex-Brisbane winger Daniel Vidot will make his Titans debut after overcoming a groin complaint.

However, the Titans still have 11 players sidelined including Jarryd Hayne and Nathan Peats.

Ex-Sydney Roosters centre Dale Copley will also bolster a depleted backline after getting the green light to make his Gold Coast debut a week later than planned.

North Queensland are hoping to bounce back from last round's 30-8 home loss to Manly.

Source: AAP