Mortimer’s super sub fate sealed

Mystery surrounds the make-up of the Gold Coast Titans team but Daniel Mortimer reckons his fate as super sub has already been sealed.

Titans coach Neil Henry is believed to be mulling over injecting Queensland back-rower Chris McQueen into the centres for their NRL season opener against Newcastle on Sunday.

And Luke Douglas’ suspension has opened up an interchange vacancy.

But Mortimer believes his “Mr Fix It” bench role will remain despite halfback Ash Taylor battling a shoulder complaint in the pre-season.

Mortimer played in the halves in Titans trials, partnering new pivot Tyrone Roberts.

However, Mortimer looks set to share hooking duties with co-captain Nathan Friend after admitting Broncos recruit Taylor deserved first crack at the No.7 jersey made available by Kane Elgey (knee).

“I started in the halves in trials and I am more than willing to go back into the position if need be,” Mortimer said.

“But I think Ash has been training well as has Tyrone so they will get first crack if fit.

“But there’s depth there in the halves even without Kane.

“And the more positions I can play can only benefit myself and the team.”

Mortimer appeared to have the hooker job before Friend’s surprise return this year.

Mortimer left the Sydney Roosters in 2014 for the tourist strip due to a lack of starting opportunities.

But the utility said he had no complaints with his Titans role.

“The main reason I left the Roosters was because I was playing so little minutes,” he said.

“Here I am getting a lot more minutes.

“Usually the hookers play about half a game each and I am enjoying that role, even off the bench, a lot more here to be honest.

“I feel like I have more weight on the game when I play that bit longer so I am enjoying that and I’m not too fussed.”

Other positions are not so clear cut for Henry.

McQueen may yet start in the centres or Henry may blood youngster Nathan Davis as he looks to replace Nene Macdonald (knee).

The Titans are also looking to finalise the recruitment of another replacement centre John Olive from South Sydney.

And forward Douglas’ one game ban has also thrown a spanner in the works as Henry tries to finalise his interchange.

Leivaha Pulu and Lachlan Burr look set to go head to head for the bench spot vacancy.

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