Coach John Cartwright has got his wish for 2010 with the addition of rugged utility Greg Bird giving the Titans added intimidation to go with their talent.

If the dumped Shark, coming off a traumatic time in his personal life, can rediscover the form which had some pundits comparing his style to that of Wally Lewis, the Titans could go even deeper into the finals than they did in their breakthrough season when semi-finalists last year.

Bird can play five-eighth or lock but Cartwright’s pack is so well balanced he will start the season for his new club at No.6 as a robust and powerful presence beside halfback Scott Prince.

Not that skipper Prince needs a minder as one of the game’s best organisers and creators.

Some believe the stocky Bird doesn’t exert the same intimidation when playing five eighth that he brings to the forwards but Cartwright isn’t one of them.

“I haven’t really heard that,” said Cartwright.

“To me he is an aggressive player as soon as he runs on the field.

“He’s played for his state and played for his country at five-eighth and he didn’t lose any aggression when he played there.”

In Luke Bailey, Anthony Laffranchi, Anthony Minichiello and Ashley Harrison, the Titans have a very hard working pack but they have lacked a player with the element of mongrel Bird brings.

Regardless, with Prince calling the shots again, the Titans are a definitely a serious finals package again.

Bird’s arrival means evergreen Mat Rogers could settle into the centres and even at 34 the dual international is still a strike weapon and a magnificent team man.

William Zillman, who has a touch of class about him, will be the utility back floater with pint-sized dynamo and crowd favourite Preston Campbell as first choice fullback.

One thing the Titans will have at their disposal will be blistering backline speed.

Wingmen Kevin Gordon and David Mead are two of the slickest young flyers around.

They will be working off the experience of Rogers and the power and strength of Melbourne Storm pick-up Joseph Tomane who at 100kg-plus is like a mini Israel Folau only quicker.

Then there’s back-up and depth to burn in Jordan Atkins, Shannon Walker and Esi Tonga who can all motor.

“I don’t know how quick other guys are at other clubs, there wouldn’t be much between them all,” said Cartwright.

“But there’s four or five guys who run really quick times when we put them through the gates.

“We just have to make sure we can create plenty of space for them because there’s definitely some good finishers there.”

Gold Coast Titans

Year entered premiership: 2007

Premierships: None.

Finishes over the past three years: 2009 – semi-finals; 2008 – 13th; 2007 – 12th

Coach: John Cartwright

Captain: Scott Prince

Gains: Joseph Tomane (Melbourne), Marshall Chalk (Celtic Crusaders), Clinton Toopi (Bay of Plenty, NZ), Riley Brown (Sydney Roosters)

Losses: Brett Delaney (Leeds), Chris Walker (Bradford), Brenton Bowen (Northern Pride), Daniel Conn (Sydney Roosters) Siosaia Vave (Cronulla).

Money Man: Greg Bird adds some steel and intimidation but nothing will change in regard to the Titans “go to man” who will again be halfback Scott Prince.

One to watch: Joseph Tomane has all the attributes of a star centre and with the experience of Prince and Bird inside him he is set for a breakout year after showing much potential with Melbourne last season as Israel Folau’s replacement.

Best team: Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Mat Rogers, Joseph Tomane, David Mead, Greg Bird, Scott Prince, Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Michael Henderson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Res: Brad Meyers, William Zillman, Riley Brown, Matthew White.

© AAP 2012

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