Hard work pays off for Patston with NRL debut at Titans

HARD work and persistence at Queensland Cup level have paid off for Lismore rugby league product Josh Patston, who has earned his NRL debut with the Gold Coast Titans.

The 26-year-old came off the bench in the Titans’ 28-8 win over the Manly Sea Eagles in the 15th round of the NRL competition at Cbus Stadium.

Patston has been a consistent performer, spending time with three NRL clubs and four Queensland Cup sides since 2021.

He almost gave up on his dream in 2023 when he returned to Lismore to play for Marist Brothers in the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League. It lasted just one game before he was called back to the Queensland Cup with the Burleigh Bears, where he went on to play in a grand final that year.

He has been on the radar of Gold Coast coach Des Hasler since securing a spot in the Titans’ development squad this year.

“I’m grateful to Des and the coaching staff for giving me an opportunity,” Patston said. “I didn’t come to the club expecting anything and the players have helped me get in this position.

Josh Patston with his partner Brooke Saddler after making his NRL debut with the Gold Coast Titans. Photo: SUPPLIED

“It’s been a bit of a journey, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. My family have stuck through it with me, and I really appreciate them.”

The barnstorming second-rower played in an NRRRL grand final with Brothers in 2020 before making his Queensland Cup debut with the Tweed Seagulls the following year.

He is now at the Ipswich Jets after playing trial games and completing preseason training with the Brisbane Broncos, Melbourne Storm and Titans.

He made his Titans debut in the forwards alongside prop Tukimihia Simpkins.

Coach Hasler indicated the pair could feature in multiple games this season as the club manages injuries and player unavailability during the State of Origin series.

“It’s part of the NRL landscape and it’s always an exciting period for debutants and their families,” Hasler said. “You call on your depth and these are the guys who bring in a lot of energy.

“It’s the dream they’ve been chasing and it’s a great opportunity for them.”

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