Gold Coast’s star fullback Keano Kini is expected to miss a lengthy period of action with a neck injury but Jaylan De Groot, his replacement, is no slouch.
De Groot was clocked at 37.2km/hr on debut last year by the NRL’s speed gun, making him the second fastest in the competition behind Manly’s Jason Saab (37.7km/hr)
The 22-year-old will replace Kini for Friday night’s clash with the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium and potentially for longer pending the outcome of the New Zealand international’s visit to a specialist on Thursday.
Kini shone in the 26-6 win over Newcastle on Saturday but complained to medical staff of neck tightness on Monday.
Kini may have to go under the knife and Titans coach Des Hasler was bracing for the worst.
“If I was a betting man, and I’m not a doctor, I think Keano will have a prolonged absence,” Hasler said.
“Not an entire year … but what that time entails we will know probably in the next 48 hours.”
Hasler said De Groot had acquitted himself well in trials, on debut last year and at training.
“This is his moment,” he said.
“It won’t faze him. I know he will be excited by the opportunity and is the type of player that you want in your team because he brings good energy, a positive attitude and has the ability to turn up when you need him,” Maccan told AAP.
“Jaylan is quick. He is a really good support player and can go the length of the field to score.
“The other thing Jaylan does well is provide really good service with his pass, even when he is running at speed.
“The only difference is that Keano probably has stronger carries but Keano has had an extra few years in first grade.
“I think Jaylan will do a great job slotting into the Keano role.
“He has had a bit of a sniff of the NRL and is still learning his craft but from what I have heard from the Titans he is developing well.”
