Roberts' future in No.6 at Titans unclear

He has shown his worth in the absence of the injured Kane Elgey, but Tyrone Roberts concedes it may not be enough to secure the role in the long term.

Titans player Tyrone Roberts admits his immediate future as five-eighth is uncertain. (AAP)

Gold Coast five-eighth Tyrone Roberts admits his excellent form might not be enough to extend his tenure in the role.

The versatile 26-year-old has formed an effective alliance with good mate Ashley Taylor in the halves since injury to first-choice No. 6 Kane Elgey.

But with Elgey on the cusp of a return, Roberts knows his role may change dramatically again soon.

Roberts is named to partner Taylor against the Penrith Panthers on Saturday, with Elgey named in the extended squad on Tuesday.

Coach Neil Henry said Elgey was likely to be given another week to recover from a sternum injury, but just where he fits into the puzzle is yet to be determined.

It's a mystery to Roberts too, who has played fullback, hooker, five-eighth and interchange this season.

He said Henry had not spoken to him about his plans, but felt as if he had proved himself in the No. 6.

"I don't know, but I'm playing good footy in the halves and that's where he's got me named," Roberts said.

"Yeah, it's my preferred position but I've got to do what I've got to do."

Roberts' connection with Taylor was on show in the pelting Gold Coast rain last Saturday night, the pair combining to put Cronulla away 30-10.

While Taylor stole the show with two tries and two try assists, Roberts was in the thick of the action in the slippery conditions.

"It was like playing backyard footy," Roberts said.

"It was fun; I just think I get the best out of him (Taylor) and know when he's down and not playing well, and he gets the best out of me.

"We're both playing some good footy now and it's a key to our success at the moment."

Penrith, themselves desperate to break into the top eight, pose another threat thanks to a young half of their own.

Nathan Cleary scored 22 points of his own in a win against the New Zealand Warriors last weekend.

Sitting in ninth, it is a crucial contest against the 12th-placed Titans and could be decided by a pair of emerging stars.

"They're touted as the next Origin players I guess," Titan Anthony Don said.

"They're both doing great jobs for their teams. It's going to be a great match-up and will go a long way to deciding who's going to win."