- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Never has dual international Mat Rogers felt more comfortable in the Gold Coast Titans No.6 jersey – and never has he felt more under threat.
The dual international revealed on Wednesday that he had told halves partner Scott Prince he finally felt at home at five-eighth after being forced to “learn the ropes again” in 2008.
However, Rogers admits there are no shortage of rivals – namely new arrival, former Canberra matchwinner William Zillman.
But Rogers hasn’t done himself any favours, talking up the 22-year-old at every opportunity.
Zillman has just started a four year deal at the Titans but has already been touted as a future Origin star – a prediction Rogers heavily endorsed.
“Absolutely, he’s already got the nickname ‘TP’ – total package,” Rogers told AAP.
“He’s as strong as an ox, super fit, great skills, and he can run all day.
“On the field he is doing these amazing things but it looks like he is not even trying.
“We’ve already nicknamed him the fastest white man at the Titans.”
Zillman – one of four new Titans recruits – is seen as a long term replacement for Rogers in the halves with coach John Cartwright set to move the ex-Raiders speedster into the centres in 2009.
But Rogers is taking nothing for granted despite finding a second wind at five-eighth.
“I just feel ready to play there (five-eighth) to be honest,” Rogers said.
“I was talking to Princey the other day, I said I just feel I can play a lot better there now after learning the ropes again in that position.
“But we’ve got players putting their hands up for it. We will have to just wait and see.”
Zillman is not the only one keeping Rogers on his toes.
Rogers said Titans boss Michael Searle’s announcement that he was still searching for a marquee signing despite missing out on Cameron Smith and Robbie Farah would keep everyone honest.
Despite classy rakes Smith and Farah knocking back the Titans, No.1 Gold Coast hooker Nathan Friend is set to leave in 2010 after contract negotiations broke down.
The Titans officially kicked off their 2009 program on Wednesday – with a promotional touch footy game against cricket greats including South Africans Shaun Pollock, Allan Donald and Jonty Rhodes.
Even with Rogers and halfback Brad Davis injected into their side, the cricketers went down 6-2.
Gold Coast’s first pre-season trial is against the Broncos at Wynnum on February 14.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.