Trial Match: Brisbane Broncos vs Gold Coast Titans in Wynnum

[DIEHARD]

Rankin given another chance to impress

Brisbane Broncos vs Gold Coast Titans, Kougari Oval, Wynnum, 8.30pm

JORDAN RANKIN, who made his first-grade debut for Gold Coast as a 16-year-old in 2008 but still only has the one top grade appearance to his name, will form a halves pairing with ex-South Sydney Rabbitohs utility Luke Capewell in tonight's trial game against Brisbane.

Titans coach John Cartwright said he expected Rankin, now 19, to challenge for a first-grade spot this year. Rankin was 16 years and 238 days old when he played against Newcastle at a time when the Titans had a lot of players out injured. He has since been continuing his development in the club's Toyota Cup team, for which he is still eligible this season.

''We thought back then that Jordan was a potential regular first-grader, and we still think it,'' Cartwright said. ''But he was only young and needed time, and he's been grinding away in the under 20s and working on his game. He's got the ability, he just needs to toughen up physically and mentally, and he knows that. I don't put any limitations on players, and I expect him to push for first grade this season.''

Both the Titans and Broncos will field sides mainly made up of semi-regular first-graders, promising younger players and new signings.

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