After blowing opportunities to establish himself as an NRL player with Cronulla and Newcastle, talented utility Albert Kelly has been thrown a lifeline by the Gold Coast Titans.

Kelly hails from Macksville, the same NSW country town as Greg Inglis.

There were some who felt he was just as talented as Inglis when he headed to Parramatta straight out of high school.

However he has had a turbulent career, sacked mid-season by the Sharks in 2011 and then dumped by Newcastle following a nightclub incident earlier this year.

Kelly has a four-month trial period to show the Titans he is serious about fulfilling his potential and that he wants to get his young life back on track.

Titans football manager Scott Clark said on Thursday the club became aware of Kelly’s plight through its many indigenous community programs.

“His manager came into contact with our guys working in the field and told us about Albert. We told him about the opportunities to work with indigenous people off the field and it all stemmed from there,” said Clark.

“Before you knew it, we were in negotiations about a playing contract as well.”

Kelly, who can play halfback or fullback, will have to tick some boxes before being offered a contract but he’s been given a chance many thought would not come his way again.

“Albert has an opportunity to train with the full-time squad over the off-season and to play some trial matches during the pre-season,” said Clark.

“I spoke to him on Wednesday night and I think deep down he knows this could be his last crack, although you’d never say that.

“We know he can play footy, he’s a great player.

“I’ll never compare anyone to Preston Campbell but Albert’s got that freakish ability to do things that Preston would do on the field.

“He’s also had a child recently which can sometimes put some perspective into his life.

“We’ve been able to provide a positive environment for other players who’ve had off-field issues in the past so hopefully Albert can make the most of his opportunity here with the Titans.”

Kelly is the third off-season recruit for the Titans with 19-year-old English fullback Matt Russell signing a two-year deal while former Canberra lower-grade prop Mark Ioane has signed a one-year deal.

All three will join Queensland representative David Taylor as new faces at the club when the Titans’ pre-season begins on November 5.